KTR calls for probe into Suryapet mining tenders

metro india news  I hyderabad

Alleging grave statutory violations and procedural lapses, Bharat Rashtra Samithi Working President K. T. Rama Rao has demanded immediate cancellation of controversial electronic auction tenders for mining blocks in Suryapet district, warning that the process strikes at the very foundation of transparency and legality. In a detailed letter on March 2, addressed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, KTR questioned how nearly 1100 acres of reserved forest land were put up for auction without mandatory disclosures and clearances.

The mining blocks Pasupulabodu, Saidulnama and Sultanpur were notified by the Department of Mines and Geology under an August 30, 2024 notification. However, according to KTR, the tender documents failed to provide essential particulars required under the Mineral Auction Rules 2015 and the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act 1957.

Missing details allegedly include precise latitude and longitude coordinates of boundary corners, block wise forest compartment data, proper demarcation through Differential Global Navigation Satellite System survey, authenticated survey maps with UTM geo coordinates, and comprehensive geological reports specifying estimated mineral resources.

KTR asserted that such omissions render the auction legally vulnerable. He further pointed out that the Telangana High Court, in a public interest litigation filed in 2024, had directed the Director of Mines and Geology to consider representations and grant a hearing. Despite this, preferred bidders were declared and blocks handed over without meaningful compliance.

He also raised concerns over the selection of firms including Deccan Cements Limited and NCL Industries Limited, alleging pending cases related to violations and illegal mining in reserved forest areas. The absence of a mandatory no objection certificate from the Forest Department and recent Supreme Court directions on forest safeguards were cited as serious red flags.

Demanding suspension of all actions under the notification, KTR called for cancellation of the tender and a transparent, time bound independent investigation. Copies of the letter were marked to Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and the Director of Mines and Geology.

Annaram Barrage under threat from illegal sand mining

In a related charge the same day, KTR alleged illegal sand mining beneath the Annaram Barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. He termed it a criminal conspiracy to weaken critical irrigation infrastructure, accusing the Congress government of permitting heavy machinery to extract sand in prohibited zones near the structure.

Drawing parallels with previous controversies surrounding Medigadda, KTR questioned whether deliberate attempts were being made to damage another key barrage and shift blame onto BRS. He demanded immediate criminal action against those involved and warned that farmers would not forgive any move that endangers what he described as a lifeline irrigation project for Telangana.