SAVE OUR NALLAMALA

BY VYSHNAVI, ON SEPTEMBER 2019

The Nallamala Hills or Nallamala ranges are truly a delight for not only nature lovers but to every one due to its dense forests and rich wild life. Nallamala Ranges are spread across several districts in Telangana and  Andhra Pradesh, each of its place is a wonder to explore. The Nallamalas are part of the Eastern Ghats which offers a lot to explore. Breathtaking views of Nallamala ranges can be seen on the way to Srisailam. Almost half way of this journey belongs to the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. It is also very common to see wild animals in some parts of this route.

Nallamala Hills is a destination spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. But recently uranium ores are found under Nallamala Forest. So Telangana and Andhrapradesh governments are planning to start mining for uranium ores in nallamala forest region which comes under provinces of both Telangana and AndhraPradesh states(with collaboration of central government). 

Last july the Union ministry of environment and forests gave permission to the Uranium Mining Corporation to begin mining in the area. The Centre, hoping that the process of nuclear power generation will be beneficial in the long run, has granted an 'in-principle' approval for survey and exploration of uranium over 83 square kilometres.

If mining process starts then first they will cut lot of trees with leads to deforestation, which leades to oxygen generation by nallamala forest gets depleted and rains doesn't fall properly.

The area being sought for mining are rich in RARE wildlife, RARE plant species and medicinal herbs.

Approximately, 430 Chenchu tribal families have lived there all these years worried over their future. Not just the residents that are under threat from mining. Amrabad Tiger Reserve, which, is a part of nallamala forest the second-largest tiger reserve in India are under threat of mining. According to the Tiger Census conducted last year there were a total of 17 big cats in the reserve

Rare species of animals like tigers, deer, sloth bears, wild dogs, spotted deer, sambhar and wild boars from the reserveare moved away from forest

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The mining is happening at a place which is just 0.5 km from the catchment area of the Krishna.the exploration could result in River Krishna being polluted with radioactive waste which is discharged from the mining and leech the minerals and dangerous chemicals into the Nagarjunasagar dam. The roads will fragment and degrade the dry forests, which may never recover after such a massive exercise. farm lands will also die.

In the purification process of uranium ores chemicals are released into Krishna river and the river gets poisoned. People living in hyderabad depends on krishna river water for drinking and if mining starts hyderabad would experience scarcity of drinking water. Mining in both Nallamala forest and Lambapur region effects hyderabad drinking water.

Mining leads to emition of a dangerous gas called Radon which causes lung cancer, dysfunctioning of urinary system and uterus(for women).

Temperatures increases, due to release of large amount of Greenhouse gases and huge radiations in the initial mining of uranium ores.

Ultimately uranium pollutes land,water and air. And also makes tribal people homeless.

Uranium mining results huge loses for both Telangana and Andhrapradesh states.

We have seen how uranium mining effected the land,water and air in Tummalapalle in Kadapa district.

But if uranium mining starts at this region the severity is high when compared to tummalapalle because of  presence of Nagarjunasagar dam near mining area.

If nature is protected then only we can lead our life happily.

A senior scientist named k.BabuRao belongs to Indian Institute of Chemical Engineering Technology is condemning uranium mining. So we have to support him and stop this mining.