Tribals protest over water projects

Members of the Adivasi Girijana Sangham took out a protest march in Paderu on Monday demanding cancellation of the proposed hydroelectric projects in Sitharama Raju’s Alluri district. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Tension prevailed near Paderu district collectorate on Monday when members of the Adivasi Girijana Sangham, representing villagers, staged a protest demanding cancellation of agreements related to the proposed hydroelectric projects in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, even as the district administration assured villagers that all activities would be carried out only after proper consultation.

In inclement weather, the protesters marched from the Government Junior College premises along the RTC main road to the Collectorate where they staged a dharna under the banner of the Sangham campaign against the hydropower projects. Addressing the gathering, Sangham National Executive Committee member P. Appala Narsa alleged that the surveys and exploratory boreholes were being carried out without the consent of the gram sabhas and in violation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, the Panchayati Raj Act and the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.

State Chief Secretary K. Surendra accused the project authorities of intimidating indigenous people and spreading misinformation to quell opposition to the project. District Secretary P. Baladev alleged that the Collector’s office was indulging in one-sided publicity, ignoring environmental concerns and public objections without releasing the Environmental Impact Assessment and Social Impact Assessment reports. Anantagiri ZPTC member Dasari Gangaraju echoed these concerns.

The Sangham announced that they would burn government circulars related to the project in villages on June 16 and 17 and said a meeting of the anti-hydro project committee would be held in Arak on June 25.

Alluri Sitharama Raju District Collector T. Nishanthi, interacts with villagers and representatives from project-affected areas, who on Monday, amid rain, submitted representations for the proposed hydropower projects at Paderu Collectorate. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Responding to the protest, District Collector ASR T. Nishanthi said that the administration has already issued instructions to ensure coordination, prior information and consultation with the community before any survey or field work carried out in sensitive areas. She said the concerns raised by the villagers would be reviewed and formally communicated to the government. All activities would be in accordance with applicable laws and policies, taking into account the interests of local communities and the special status of planned areas. She urged people not to believe rumours, saying the district administration remained committed to transparency, continued consultation and peaceful resolution of issues. Tirumani Joint Collector Sri Pooja, ITDA Project Manager Aditya Varma and other officials were present when the villagers submitted their statements.

Published – 15 Jun 2026 21:57 IST