Stop uranium mining plan in Nallamala: Vimalakka

Kazipet: Balladeer and the head of the folk troupe Arunodaya Samskritika Samakhya Vimalakka on Thursday expressed concern over Central government's plan to mine uranium in Nallamala forest.

Speaking to media at the Kazipet Press Club, she urged the people to participate in the Bahujana Bathukamma movement protesting the mining of uranium in Nallamala forest. She stated that uranium is also available in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills of Hyderabad and she asked why the government won't take up mining in these areas.

"The people of two Telugu speaking States, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, will be affected if uranium mining is allowed in Nallamala forest. Mining would affect soil, air and groundwater," Vimalakka said. She said that it will direly affect the life of Chenchu tribe. The mining would also pollute Krishna waters. Vimalakka said that India doesn't have proper facilities for the waste management of uranium. She appealed to organisations working for the protection of environment and nature lovers to exert pressure on government to stop the mining proposal.

Later, she played Bathukamma along with the local women. Arunodaya Samskritika Samakhya leaders Bairagi Mohan, Malsoor, paul, Ambala Satyam, Pragathiseela Mahila Sagham (Stree Vimukti) Telangana convener Padma and former leader of railway mazdoor union K Yadava Reddy were among others present.