In Gadwal, leaders from the Aija Mandal Fishermen’s Association, led by State Congress Party Spokesperson Master Sheikhshavali Chari, former RDS President Thanagal Seetharama Reddy, and Aija Town President Advocate Madhu Kumar, have submitted a petition to the Jogulamba Gadwal District Collector. They are urging immediate action to stop contractors from illegally transporting soil from the Bingi Doddi Reservoir. These contractors are part of the Bharat Mala Six-Lane Highway project.
For the past two years, allegations have surfaced that these contractors have been removing both topsoil and deeper soil from the reservoir without the necessary permissions. It is claimed they are digging up to 50 feet deep and using the soil for highway construction. This situation has raised alarm among local fishermen who depend on the reservoir for their livelihood.
Master Sheikhshavali Achari, along with Darishelli, the President of the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, stated that the contractors have extracted soil without approval from irrigation and mining authorities. Officials confirmed that no permissions were granted for such activities. Since 1984, fishermen from Aija town have been releasing fish into the reservoir to sustain their families. However, the deep excavation has rendered it impossible for them to continue this practice, threatening the income of nearly 500 families.
The petitioners pointed out that, according to Mission Kakatiya guidelines, digging beyond three feet in such reservoirs is not allowed. Despite this, contractors have allegedly dug as deep as 50 feet, violating regulations and potentially harming the reservoir’s ecosystem. The leaders have also accused the contractors of illegal activities in the Thangal Gattu area of Vaddepalli Mandal, where significant amounts of soil were reportedly moved without permission.
The Fishermen’s Association is calling for immediate intervention by authorities to halt the illegal soil transportation and hold the contractors accountable. They demand strict measures against those involved and seek relief for the 500 fishermen’s families now facing severe financial hardship.
Several prominent figures, including former RDS Chairman Thangal Seetharama Reddy and Aija Town President Master Madhu Kumar, supported the petition submission. They emphasized the urgent need for action to protect the fishermen’s livelihoods and prevent further environmental damage to the reservoir.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing development projects with the protection of natural resources and livelihoods. The response of the district administration to this petition will be closely monitored by those affected and concerned about the environmental impact of large-scale infrastructure projects.
