YSRCP urges suspension of mining near heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh

A delegation from the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) has called on the Indian Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, to halt alleged illegal gravel quarrying near Panchadharla in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.

The YSRCP representatives reported that large-scale quarrying activities are occurring near the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Dhanadibbalu Buddhist archaeological site, which dates to the 1st Century CE, and the ancient Sri Dharmalingeswara Swamy Temple, which dates to the 10th Century CE. The delegation warned that deep excavation and blasting could damage these historical remains, threaten the geological stability of Panchadharla Hill, and negatively impact groundwater and natural drainage systems.

In addition to requesting an immediate suspension of mining, the delegation urged the central government to appoint an expert team to inspect the site, verify the legality of the operations, and determine if extraction has exceeded sanctioned boundaries or permitted depths.