1 month ago
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Hyderabad: Residents of Mailaram, Nagarkurnool district, have threatened to go on a relay hunger strike from Monday, demanding an end to illegal mining on Mailaram Hill, where mining for quartz has reportedly been approved.
The protest, organised by the Struggle Committee for the Protection of Mailaram Hill (SCPMH), will begin on January 20 at 10 am to save the hill from the destruction. The mineral, exported to countries like Japan and France, has been extracted from the hill for two years.
Although earlier resistance by villagers had temporarily halted operations, mining resumed in September last and has continued for five months.
Protesters claim the contractor used fraudulent methods to start mining. “The contractor obtained permissions using a fake gram sabha resolution. The sarpanch, after accepting bribes, signed documents with the names of village elders without their consent. This was then submitted to the Pollution Control Board for approvals,” said Gaddam Laxman, a member of SCPMH.
He also alleged that the contractor bribed some residents, distributed liquor to the youth to suppress dissent and carried out mining with the knowledge of local police.
While some villagers accepted bribes, others stood firm and formed the SCPMH to fight for the hill’s protection. “This is not just about a hill, it’s about saving our environment and heritage from corruption and exploitation. We will continue this fight until the mining stops completely,” Laxman added.
The relay hunger strike will be inaugurated by Prof. Haragopal and will continue indefinitely until mining activities cease. The SCPMH has called on intellectuals, environmentalists and the public to support the cause and visit the protest site in Mailaram village. Buses from Hyderabad to Achampet operate frequently, with organisers arranging transport from Achampet to the village.
The villagers demand an immediate halt to mining activities and strict action against those responsible for the illegal exploitation of Mailaram Hill.
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