People of Konijedu, Yarajarla and Sarvereddypalem villages in Prakasam district alleged that unauthorized gravel mining has affected the red soil in their agricultural lands. They recently complained to the district collector to crack down on illegal mining in their villages.
Residents of Sarvereddypalem village staged a dharna near Prakasam Bhavan in Ongole demanding the district administration to stop illegal digging of gravel/red earth near the surrounding hills in their village. The collectors filed a statement on the complaint about repeated illegal excavations in Survey No. 197 of the municipality.
“More than 50 heavy dumpers were used day and night for illegal mining in the village. This posed a threat to the safety of people, environment and livestock. Children and senior citizens especially suffer sleepless nights while passing through the village,” they said.
“Furthermore, the illegal mining has caused damage to the surrounding agricultural land and trouble to the farmers. We demand immediate intervention of the authorities and strict action against the illegal miners,” the locals said.
Speaking to The Hindu, Deputy Director (DD) of Mines and Geology TJ Rajasekhar said, “We have noticed that illegal gravel/red soil mining is going on in Konijedu and Yarajarla hills. We have already issued show-cause notices to several people.”
“After receiving our notices, the parties involved reportedly stopped the illegal mining, but it was only for a temporary period. We have found that the illegal mining of gravel/red earth is continuing again. We will inspect the area and take further action soon,” he added.
Published – 14 Jan 2026 21:17 IST
