In a significant move, two leading actors of who one is also a politician, have lent their support to the protests in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana against the proposed uranium mining in the Nallamalla forest area. 

After Pawan Kalyan, now actor Vijay Deverakonda has come forward against mindless pollution.

In a hard-hitting Facebook post, Vijay writes : “20,000 acres of Nallamala at Risk of being destroyed. We have destroyed our lakes, flooded our states, caused drought in others, polluted most of our drinking water sources. The quality of our air is deteriorating everywhere, while multiple cities are running out of water, to drink, brush, shower, wash, everything. And we continue to justify destroying any small good that is left. Next in line are the lush green Nallamala forests. If all you want is non renewable source like Uranium – buy it.. Uranium konokovachu – Forests konnocha? If we can’t afford it, develop renewable solar energy, put solar panels on every rooftop, make it compulsory. For anyone trying to justify it – WTF will we do with Uranium and electricity when we don’t have breathable air and drinkable water.”

The support comes even as Amrabad and Padara mandals of Nagarkurnool witnessed a complete shutdown on Monday. Protestors had even blocked the Hyderabad-Srisailam highway as part of a call given by the joint action committee of the Congress and Left parties. About 70000 people living in 48 villages in both these mandals fear that water bodies in their areas will be affected. Amrabad tiger reserve is also said to be home to 22 tigers and a hundred leopards.

Protestors are demanding that clearances given for the project by the Centre and also the state should be immediately withdrawn.
In a statement, Pawan Kalyan said uranium mining would affect biodiversity and harm the environment.

“Uranium mining would generate radon, which is a product of the radioactive decay uranium. People who inhale may be affected with lung cancer and even kidney issues when they drink water contaminated with uranium waste,” he said.

Interestingly, a number of actors had tweeted when the fire accident took place in the Amazon forest. That kind of concern has not been shown yet in something closer home especially when the locals have voiced their concern. It is for the state government and the Centre to ally their fears and initiate a dialogue with the stakeholders.