Tribal farmers oppose granite quarry project at public hearing
Tribal farmers in Vammali Jagannadhapuram, India, protested against a proposed granite quarry during an environmental public hearing. They expressed concerns over the destruction of their livelihoods and demanded land titles before any mining permits are issued.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing conflict between industrial development and the land rights of indigenous communities in rural India.
Tension prevailed at Vammali Jagannadhapuram village in V. Madugula mandal on Thursday as tribal farmers staged a protest during an environmental public hearing held for a proposed granite quarry in the Urlova revenue limits.
The public hearing was jointly chaired by Narsipatnam Regional Revenue Officer (RDO) V.V. Ramana and the Environmental Engineer from the Pollution Control Board (PCB). Around 27 local residents submitted their views and objections during the session.
Protesting against the proposed quarry operations, girijans from neighboring Kommiri village took out a padayatra carrying placards to the venue. They also raised slogans demanding land titles (pattas) for their lands before granting permissions for mining activities in the region.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) district secretary G. Koteswara Rao, Girijana Sangham district honourary president K. Govinda Rao, and CPM leader E. Narasimha Murthy led the protest.
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