Diamond Hunt Draws Hundreds to Nallamala Forest Streams in Nandyal
Seasonal rains have sparked a rush as locals search for diamonds and precious stones.
Kurnool: The age-old lure of striking it rich has once again brought hundreds of people to the fringes of the Nallamala forests in Andhra Pradesh, where locals and visitors alike are scouring seasonal streams in search of diamonds and precious stones.
Traditionally, farmers in areas like Vajrakarur and Jonnagiri in Anantapur district would search for diamonds during the first monsoon showers, when flowing waters are believed to expose hidden stones. While mining activity has picked up in Jonnagiri with the establishment of gold mines, a lack of rainfall in Vajrakarur this season has shifted attention to the forested tracts of Nandyal district.
Streams such as Erravagu, Rallavagu and Vakkileru, located a few kilometres off the Nandyal-Ongole highway, have seen light flows following recent showers. Once the waters receded, people began arriving in large numbers, digging through the moist soil in hopes of uncovering valuable stones.
“Youngsters and even elderly people are coming here every day to try their luck. The belief is that even a single diamond could fetch lakhs or even crores,” said a local resident from the area.
Adding to the intrigue are local legends that diamonds were once used as talambraalu (sacred offerings) during the celestial wedding rituals of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Goddess Chenchu Lakshmi. Many believe that such stones resurface in the streams with the arrival of early rains.
People from Nandyal, Kurnool, Kadapa and Markapur have been flocking to the streams from morning till evening over the past week.
Bujjarapu Kishore, a resident of Regadagudur in Nandyal district, said he has been visiting the site regularly. “I have been coming here for the past week, but I haven’t found anything yet. Around 20 youngsters from our village have been coming here for the last 10 days. Along with us, many women are also searching in the streams,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
Locals recall that about five years ago, a person reportedly found a valuable diamond in the area, which has since fuelled the rush. “Even if we don’t find diamonds, coloured stones can be sold for thousands of rupees,” said a woman participating in the search.
K. Narasamma, a 60-year-old from Nandyal, has been part of the hunt for the past week. “I dig the soil in the stream with a small hand tool every day. I strongly believe diamonds can be found here,” she said.
However, forest officials have raised serious concerns over safety, as the search is taking place deep inside protected forest areas. Warning boards have been put up cautioning people against entering the region, especially as it is a breeding season for wildlife, including tigers.
