YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Parliamentary Party leader Y.V. Subba Reddy has urged the Union government to stop mining-related activities in the vicinity of the historic Panchadarla heritage site in Andhra Pradesh, citing the potential threat to its ancient monuments and unique natural water system.

Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026, on August 13, 2026 (Thursday), Mr. Subba Reddy said mining operations were being carried out increasingly close to the protected Buddhist heritage site and the ancient Dharmalingeswara Swamy temple at Panchadarla.

He said Panchadarla’s historical and cultural identity was inseparable from the five natural streams that emerge and flow through the temple complex. Any disturbance to the surrounding geological formations could have serious consequences for the water channels and the heritage character of the area, he said.

Mr. Subba Reddy called for an immediate on-site inspection and sought a cumulative assessment of the environmental impact of mining in the region. He also sought a detailed scientific study of the area’s hydrology to determine whether mining could affect the natural flow and sustainability of the five streams.

He urged the authorities to scrutinise all permissions, statutory approvals and environmental clearances issued for mining activities in the area. Pending completion of these assessments, he sought that mining operations and proposed mining plans be kept in abeyance.

Turning to the provisions of the Bill, Mr. Subba Reddy said the country’s mineral resources were public assets and their exploitation must be based on transparency, accountability and protection of public interest.

He said mining could contribute significantly to economic development, but the regulatory framework must ensure that States did not lose revenue and that local communities and environment were not made to bear disproportionate costs.

The YSRCP leader said States were directly exposed to the environmental, infrastructural and social consequences of mining, and that their financial interests and regulatory responsibilities needed to be adequately protected in the new mining framework.

He also said greater centralisation of decision-making should not come at the expense of effective enforcement by the State and local authorities. Strong field-level mechanisms, he said, were essential to curb illegal mining and prevent activities that could cause irreversible environmental damage.

Published - August 13, 2026 06:48 pm IST