YSRCP demands halt to mining near Panchadarla to protect heritage and water streams
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Parliamentary Party leader Y.V. Subba Reddy has called on the Union government to stop mining-related activities near the historic Panchadarla heritage site in Andhra Pradesh. He warned that continued operations could damage ancient monuments and disrupt the area's unique natural water system.
Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026, on August 13, Mr. Subba Reddy said mining operations were being carried out increasingly close to the protected Buddhist heritage site and the ancient Dharmalingeswara Swamy temple at Panchadarla.
He emphasised that Panchadarla's historical and cultural identity is intrinsically linked to five natural streams that emerge and flow through the temple complex. Any disturbance to the surrounding geological formations could have serious consequences for these water channels and the heritage character of the area, he said.
Mr. Subba Reddy called for an immediate on-site inspection and a cumulative assessment of the environmental impact of mining in the region. He also sought a detailed scientific study of the area's hydrology to determine whether mining could affect the natural flow and sustainability of the five streams.
He urged authorities to scrutinise all permissions, statutory approvals, and environmental clearances issued for mining activities in the area. Pending completion of these assessments, he requested that mining operations and proposed mining plans be kept in abeyance.
Turning to the provisions of the Minerals Amendment Bill, Mr. Subba Reddy said the country's mineral resources are public assets and their exploitation must be based on transparency, accountability, and protection of public interest.
He acknowledged that mining can contribute significantly to economic development, but stressed that the regulatory framework must ensure States do not lose revenue and that local communities and the environment are not made to bear disproportionate costs.
The YSRCP leader noted that States are directly exposed to the environmental, infrastructural, and social consequences of mining. He said their financial interests and regulatory responsibilities need to be adequately protected in the new mining framework.
He also cautioned that greater centralisation of decision-making should not come at the expense of effective enforcement by State and local authorities. Strong field-level mechanisms, he said, are essential to curb illegal mining and prevent activities that could cause irreversible environmental damage.
