CPI (ML) Andhra Pradesh State Committee member D Harinath has demanded the cancellation of a 44-acre mining lease on Turkala hill in Kodavali village in Gollaprolu zone of East Godavari district. The proposed laterite mining area is very near (35 meters) to the centrally protected monument, a 2,300 year old historic Buddhist site.
Turkulakonda said that the local revenue authorities have given an no objection certificate (NOC) to the Mines and Geology department without taking the proximity of the archaeological site. He further added that the local villagers had been opposing the mining as it threatens their land and livelihood. For decades they had been cultivating in the land and instead of giving land pattas to the villages, the revenue department is taking away their land. The villagers noted that he local authorities had earlier said that mining could not be allowed as the land was under cultivation and mining could not be allowed. But later, they changed the position and gave NOC.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also opposed the proposed mining near the Buddhist site. In a letter on December 16, ASI urged the state government to stop the mining as it will severely affect the integrity of the historical structures in the area. The structure is considered to be part of 84,000 stupas erected during the period of Emperor Ashoka.
D Harinath said the CPI (ML) Liberation strongly opposes the land grabbing by the authorities despite the Court orders and noted that party will stand with the villagers in their struggle.
The team that visited the area comprised of CPIML Central Committee members Bugta Bangara Rao All India Kisan Mahasabha State Secretary Deharinath, CPI ML Liberation State Committee members Egupati Arjun Rao, Manukonda Lachchababu Kakara Ratnakumari, Land Conservation Committee members Bhaddha Egulayya, and President Chavala Venkatrao.
