Quarry permits spark protests in Krishnasamudram, Communist parties join

Puttur – Andhra Pradesh: Krishnasamudram villagers in Puttur mandal staged a dharna at the Nagari Tahsildar office on Friday, demanding the closure of granite quarries near their village, citing health, safety, and livelihood concerns. The protest drew strong support from both CPM and CPI leaders, who condemned the government’s permissions for quarry operations.

Villagers raise safety and health concerns

Residents of Krishnasamudram, a predominantly Dalit village with about 4,000 people, warned that quarry blasting could lead to rocks falling on houses, cracks in walls, air pollution, and contamination of drinking water. They feared the spread of diseases and heavy medical expenses if operations continue.

Officials accused of misuse of authority

CPM district secretary and constituency member Dasari Janardhan alleged that revenue and mining officials had issued “illegal permits” driven by monetary interests. He criticized the government for disregarding the presence of a school and a major church in the area, while ignoring villagers’ earlier complaints to the District Collector.

Livelihoods at risk

Villagers stressed that they depend on grazing cattle, goats, and sheep on the same lands now allotted for quarries. The Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is also being implemented in the area. Protesters argued that quarrying would destroy these livelihood sources and “loot the wealth of the people.”

Communist parties extend solidarity

CPI Mandal Secretary Mahesh and CPM regional secretary Venkatesh condemned granting quarry permissions without considering the panchayat’s resolution against it. They recalled a previous blasting accident in Eswarapuram, which left one person seriously injured. Both leaders assured villagers of continuous support in their struggle.

Tahsildar responds to protest

The protesters later submitted a petition to Tahsildar GC Venkatesh, who promised to visit the village and send a report to district authorities. His assurance calmed the crowd, leading to the withdrawal of the dharna.

Strong participation in dharna

The protest saw participation from CPM leaders A Vijay, Thangaraju, Sandeep, Subramaniam Pillai, youth leaders Akash and Prakash, sarpanch R Daya, former sarpanch Babu, and several village elders, alongside a large number of women.