HRF urges AP government to pass a resolution in the Assembly banning uranium exploration in Kurnool’s Kappatralla Reserve Forest
Amaravati: A human rights organization has demanded that the Andhra Pradesh government pass a resolution in the State Assembly, ensuring that no uranium exploration or mining takes place in Kappatralla Reserve Forest in Kurnool district.
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) raised concerns despite the TDP-led NDA government’s previous assurance that uranium exploration was put on hold. HRF emphasized that the risk of future surveys and mining still exists.
Locals Fear Uranium Mining’s Impact
A 13-member HRF team recently visited Kappatralla, Nellibandha, and P. Kotakonda villages in Kurnool district and spoke with the residents.
🔹 Locals strongly believe that uranium mining will harm their health and damage agriculture in the region.
🔹 HRF found that in 2017, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) secretly drilled 20 borewells in Kappatralla forest without informing the public.
🔹 Now, the AMD has proposed drilling 68 more borewells to assess uranium reserves.
Serious Health and Environmental Risks
HRF warned that uranium mining has long-term consequences:
✔ It contaminates soil and groundwater, making the land toxic
✔ Uranium waste remains dangerous for thousands of years
✔ It can cause severe health issues like birth defects, blood disorders, sterility, and bone deformities
✔ Wildlife and water sources in the reserve forest will suffer irreversible damage
Lessons from Jaduguda’s Uranium Disaster
HRF urged the government to study the Jaduguda uranium mines in Jharkhand, where mining has left lasting environmental and health devastation. Even after mining stops, the radiation risk remains for centuries.
Shift Focus to Renewable Energy
“Nuclear energy is one of the most dangerous energy sources. Instead of promoting it, the government should invest in solar and wind power,” HRF stated.
Considering these risks, HRF strongly demanded an immediate halt to uranium exploration in Kappatralla Reserve Forest.
