The villages of Kuppam, Bangarupalem and Palamaner in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district have been witnessing year-round granite mining activities. Although a regulatory system is in place, many operators resort to illegal quarrying which has repeatedly come under the scrutiny of the National Green Tribunal. The issue even drew political attention when TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu inspected quarries a few years ago, and expressed concern over unchecked mining, environmental damage and revenue loss, reports K. Umashanker
The sanctuary, spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, is India’s first and only tri-State riverine protected area