BCY launches stir against Mallayya Konda mining

Vijayawada: The Bharatha Chaitanya Yuvajana Party (BCY) has announced an agitation against the proposed mining activities at the historic Mallayya Konda hill in Thamballapalle constituency of Annamayya district, alleging that the project is against the sentiments of lakhs of devotees and the wishes of local residents.Addressing the media in Vijayawada on Monday, BCY chief Bode Ramachandra Yadav said the party would organise a “Chalo Mallayya Konda” programme on July 8 to protect the hill shrine and oppose the government’s decision to permit mining activities in the region.Describing Mallayya Konda as a prominent Shaiva pilgrimage centre in Rayalaseema, Yadav said the shrine holds immense religious significance after major temples such as Srisailam and Srikalahasti.

He warned that any attempt to disturb the sacred hill in the name of iron ore mining would face strong resistance from devotees.He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the government order permitting mining activities in the Mallayya Konda hill range, including Sadukonda and adjoining hill areas. According to him, the mining proposal would adversely affect the region’s ecological balance and religious importance.

Yadav said the Mallayya Konda reserve forest spread over nearly 6,700 hectares and alleged that around 1,550 hectares in the Sadukonda and Chinnarukonda areas had already been allotted to the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation for mining activities.Demanding cancellation of the mining licence, he warned that the party would intensify its agitation across the state if the decision was not reversed.

He said BCY activists and Shiva devotees would participate in the Mallayya Konda protection movement on July 8 and appealed to people concerned about the hill’s religious and environmental significance to join the protest.The BCY chief also targeted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that he had opposed mining activities in Sadukonda while in the opposition but was now backing the proposal after assuming office.Yadav further questioned the silence of deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, saying that although he often speaks about protecting Sanatana Dharma and Hindu traditions, he had not responded to the proposed mining activities near the revered Mallayya Konda shrine.He said the party would continue its campaign to protect Mallayya Konda with the support of devotees and local communities.