YSRC Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy has raised serious concerns over the alleged illegal mining activities taking place in the Pulivendula constituency, particularly in the Vemula Kothapalle region. Reports suggest that gelatin sticks and detonators are being used without regulation, posing a severe threat to public safety and the environment.
Speaking to mediapersons, Avinash Reddy condemned the lack of accountability among local authorities, stating that despite repeated public complaints, no concrete action has been taken. The MP emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to curb the misuse of explosives and ensure that such unlawful operations are shut down permanently.
Fatal Incident Sparks Public Fear
Avinash Reddy referred to a tragic recent incident in Vemula Kothapalle, where a person lost his life due to the use of gelatin sticks in illegal mining operations. He called upon the State government to provide immediate assistance to the victim’s family and ensure that justice is served.
Residents across the district are reportedly living in fear, concerned about the uncontrolled use of explosives in nearby areas. The MP stated that such activities not only endanger lives but also destroy agricultural lands and threaten ecological balance.
Call for Accountability from District Officials
The YSRCP MP has directly urged YSR district Superintendent of Police (SP) V Harshavardhan Raju and Collector Siva Sankar Lotheti to launch an investigation into the source and circulation of illegal explosives.
He accused certain local police officials, including the SP and Sub-Inspectors, of ignoring multiple public complaints. “The people of Pulivendula deserve protection, not negligence,” he said, demanding transparency and swift disciplinary action against those enabling illegal mining.
Seizure of Explosives Confirms Scale of Operation
In a recent breakthrough, Kadapa district police seized 539 gelatin sticks and 150 electro-detonators from Vemula mandal. The explosives were discovered at the residences of Vankadara Kiran Kumar and Anna Reddy Bala Gangireddy (63) of Chintala Juturu village. The recovery has confirmed that illegal mining activities are active and widespread in the region.
Authorities have registered a case and initiated further investigation. However, YS Avinash Reddy insists that a one-time crackdown is not sufficient sustained vigilance and stricter enforcement are essential to eliminate the problem entirely.
Criticism of Government Response and Administrative Inaction
Avinash Reddy also criticized the ruling alliance government, accusing it of using administrative machinery and police forces to target YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders and workers instead of addressing pressing public issues.
He said that law enforcement should focus on safeguarding lives, not political suppression. According to the MP, the ongoing inaction reflects poor governance and a lack of commitment to public welfare.
Concerns Over Privatization of Medical Colleges
In addition to mining-related issues, Avinash Reddy expressed deep concern over the State government’s alleged plans to privatize five medical colleges next year. He cited the rejection of 50 medical seats sanctioned for the Pulivendula Medical College as a serious setback for the region’s youth and healthcare infrastructure.
He said the move could reduce accessibility for students from rural backgrounds and weaken the public medical education system that the YSRCP government had earlier strengthened.
A Call for Responsible Governance and Public Safety
Concluding his remarks, YS Avinash Reddy called for responsible governance, transparent investigation, and a renewed commitment to public safety in Kadapa district. He reiterated that development must never come at the cost of human life or legal violations, and urged all departments to act swiftly before the situation worsens.
His statements have sparked renewed discussion among citizens and political observers about the need for stronger oversight in resource-based industries and better coordination between law enforcement and administrative departments.