A unified front of tribal communities and non-tribal farmers is vehemently demanding that the State government immediately scrap its proposal for a colossal 3,200 megawatt thermal power plant in the Boorja and Sarubujjili mandals. These communities assert that such a project would not represent progress, but rather an act of profound destruction.
The strong opposition was voiced during a public meeting held recently in Adduripeta village, Boorja mandal, drawing participation from numerous civil rights activists and leaders of Left parties. Attendees chanted slogans, highlighting their grave concerns that the proposed plant threatens to obliterate their traditional livelihoods, lead to severe water shortages, and permanently scar the region’s rich, fertile lands. A firm resolution was passed to continue their struggle until the government withdraws the controversial proposal.
Organized by the dedicated Struggle Committee Against Thermal Plant in the two mandals, the event featured prominent speakers. V.S. Krishna of the Human Rights Forum (HRF) powerfully denounced coal-fired power plants as ‘factories of death,’ emphasizing that they pose not only severe environmental damage but also a ‘moral threat’ to generations unborn. He warned that these plants would endanger human health, decimate vital ecosystems, contaminate groundwater, and ruin agricultural practices.
Other speakers at the gathering advocated strongly for sustainable alternatives, pointing out the availability of reliable solar and wind energy solutions. They argued there is no justification for continuing to construct thermal power facilities, especially when the global trend is moving away from coal due to its ‘dirty, expensive, and dangerous’ nature. The community urged the government to proactively champion a transition towards decentralized, cleaner energy sources.
Additional influential voices at the meeting included V. Yogi, State President of the Adivasi Sankshema Parishad; Lakshmi from the Progressive Organisation for Women; D. Govinda Rao, a CPM functionary; and V. Madhava Rao of the All India Rythu Coolie Sangham, all reinforcing the unified call for action.