AP Declares Panchadarla Hills a No-Mining Zone to Protect Temples

Panchadarla Pilgrimage Hills

VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh has declared the historic Panchadarla pilgrimage hills

in Anakapalli district a No Mining Zone, moving to protect a landscape where ancient temples, centuries-old inscriptions and natural springs coexist amid growing concern over the effects of gravel quarrying.

The state government issued the decision in late August, citing Panchadarla's religious, cultural, archaeological, ecological and hydrological significance. The action followed weeks of controversy over gravel excavation in the hills and an official investigation into alleged environmental violations. Authorities also initiated termination of a 10-year gravel quarry lease covering 2.153 hectares in Survey No. 1 of Panchadarla village.

Panchadarla's significance extends well beyond its present-day pilgrimage role. The historic temple complex at Dharapalem contains inscriptions documented by the Archaeological Survey of India more than a century ago. According to New Indian Express, ASI recorded 17 inscriptions at the Panchadarla temple in 1899, subsequently published in South Indian Inscriptions, Volume VI.

Those records preserve information concerning rulers, queens, religious donations and construction at the temple complex. One inscription records the construction of an antarala mandapa and says Queen Virama constructed a tank called Virasagara.

Panchadarla derives its name from five streams or jets of water associated with springs in the hill area. Concern over those water sources became part of the mining controversy. In July, Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan ordered officials to seek scientific examination by the National Institute of Hydrology following reports of changes in the colour of the natural spring water.

In late August, the Andhra Pradesh High Court considered a public-interest petition concerning mining leases at Panchadarla. The petitioner argued that three mining leases had existed and alleged that only one had been cancelled while two others remained active. The High Court directed the government to provide details of the mining leases.

Panchadarla demonstrates why heritage conservation cannot always be separated from environmental protection. The No Mining Zone declaration offers an opportunity to protect that archaeological landscape for future generations, provided it is fully implemented.