Bauxite mining allegations disrupt Anakapalli ZP meeting

The Anakapalli Zilla Parishad general body meeting witnessed protests by ZPTC members from Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district on Saturday over alleged attempts to revive bauxite mining and a proposed hydropower project in the Agency areas.

Ananthagiri ZPTC member Gangaraju alleged that teams of outsiders had been visiting Agency villages to conduct surveys linked to the proposed projects, posing a threat to the rights and livelihoods of tribal communities. He said local representatives had sought clarification from the District Collector, Joint Collector, and Superintendent of Police, but were told that the officials had no information about the surveys.

Several members joined the protest, alleging that drone-based aerial surveys were also being carried out. As the protests intensified, they gathered near the podium, demanding an explanation from the district administration.

Responding to the allegations, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Joint Collector Tirumani Sri Pooja, denied that the government had issued any orders or granted permission for surveys related to bauxite mining. She said no mining-related activity was underway in the district and that neither the District Collector nor the Joint Collector had authorised any such survey. She added that any private agency conducting surveys without informing the district administration would face legal action.

Madugula MLA Bandaru Satyanarayana rejected the allegations, recalling that his party had earlier organised a padayatra opposing bauxite mining in the Agency areas.

The meeting also discussed allegations of illegal gravel mining in the Pendurthi and Rolugunta areas, prompting District Collector Vijaya Krishnan to order an inquiry. Members also raised concerns over the shortage of 108 ambulances in the ASR district, delays in completing 218 anganwadi centres in Anakapalli district, and the poor quality of eggs supplied under government nutrition schemes.