Tribal Protest Halts Geological Survey in ASR District
The six-member team, which arrived near Sariya village with survey equipment.
Visakhapatnam: A geological survey team conducting preliminary work for a proposed hydropower project was prevented from carrying out its activities by tribal residents at Dayirthi village in Ananthagiri mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district on Friday.
The six-member team, which arrived near Sariya village with survey equipment, was stopped by villagers from Jeenapadu, Peddakota, Sariya, Madrevu, Makanapalli and Buddagammi, who opposed the proposed project and alleged that it would adversely affect their communities.
Following information from the survey team, forest officials reached the spot and held discussions with the villagers. The residents demanded that the officials direct the team to leave the area immediately.
Officials said communication was difficult as the survey team spoke Hindi while the villagers spoke Telugu. The team was asked to produce authorisation documents and was instructed not to continue the survey until the required permissions were verified.
The villagers maintained that no survey work could be undertaken without the approval of the Gram Sabha.
Tribal leaders Kondathamalu Chinnarao, Somanna and Anand led the protest, reiterating their opposition to the project and asserting that they would protect their land and livelihoods.