By Scrollsocial 
The battle to save the Nallamala forest gained further momentum on Friday with leading celebrities joining the voices against the proposed uranium exploration and mining.
Initial arrangements for uranium exploration are underway in Nallamala forest, which is divided across several districts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Centre, hoping that the process of nuclear power generation will be beneficial in the long run, has granted ‘in-principle’ permission for survey and exploration of uranium over 83 square kilometres.
However, environmentalists say that the mining of radioactive substances like uranium is often known to contaminate the local environment. The move will also remove the Chenchus, an Especially Unprotected Tribal Group (PVTG) in Telangana.
#SaveNallamala was trending on the social media with actors, sportspersons, NGOs, environmentalists and concerned citizens throwing their weight behind the online campaign. Popular actress Samantha Akkineni signed an online petition directed to the President urging him to negotiate to save the forests spread over Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
As the voice grew louder, Telangana state Minister KT Rama Rao confirmed that he will personally discuss the matter with Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.
“I hear all of your attention on the matter of uranium mining in Nallamala forest. Promise you all that I shall personally discuss the matter with Hon’ble CM KCR Garu,” KTR, who is also Working President of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and son of the Chief Minister, tweeted.
The online petition, also signed by actress Anasuya Bharadwaj, voiced concern over the influence the uranium exploration will have on the forests, part of which comes in Amrabad Tiger Reserve and Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve.
Actor Randeep Hooda tweeted.”Do we need development? Yes!! But at what cost? Uranium mining will not only destroy the forest, but it will also contaminate the soil, flora and fauna. The waste will flow into the rivers and spread for miles & affect thousands of Indians.”
Well-Popular doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta, director Shekhar Kammula and actor Tanikella Bharni have now declared their support to the campaign to save Nallamala.
The Centre in May this year gave in-principle clearance for uranium exploration in Nallamala forest.
Popular actor and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader Pawan Kalyan has also already stated his support against uranium exploration and mining. He supported the campaign launched by Congress party and said politicians should decide whether they want to leave a ‘Bangaru’ (golden) Telangana or uranium-polluted Telangana for future generations.
Vijay Devarkonda, known as ‘Rowdy Boy’ on Thursday came out in support of the Save Nallamala campaign. “20,000 acres of Nallamala is at the risk of being destroyed. We have destroyed our lakes, flooded our states, caused drought in others and polluted most of our drinking water sources.
The quality of our air is declining everywhere. Multiple cities are running out of the water to drink, brush, shower, wash and everything else. And we continue to justify destroying any small good that is left. Next, in line are the lush green Nallamala forests.”
Some Information About Nallamala forest
The Nallamala Forest is one of the largest undisturbed forest stretches in South India, known for its biodiversity, geographical expanse, and recent environmental controversies.
Where is the Nallamala Forest’s exact location?
- Nallamala Forest is situated in the Nallamala Hills, which form a part of the Eastern Ghats.
- It spans across five districts in Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool, Guntur, Kadapa, Prakasam) and Telangana (Mahabubnagar).
- The forest lies south of the Krishna River and is associated with the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the largest in India.
The Distance and Area of Nallamala Forest
- The forest stretches nearly 430 km north-south from the Palnadu basin in the north to the Tirupati hills in the south.
- Its average width is approximately 30 km.
- The total area covered by the Nallamala Hills (and forest region) is estimated to be over 3,600 km².
- The distance from Hyderabad to Nallamala Forest is about 634 km, making it accessible by a drive of nearly 10 hours.
Controversies on Nallamala Forest
- Uranium mining proposals and government surveys have sparked major concerns among environmentalists, indigenous Chenchu groups, and local communities, who fear the destruction of habitats, biodiversity loss, and displacement of tribal populations.
- Infrastructure projects—such as the Polavaram-Banakacherla tunnel—are criticized for threatening wildlife corridors, fragmenting tiger habitat, disturbing the ecosystem, and displacing thousands of tribal families.
- Human-wildlife conflicts have increased due to habitat fragmentation and pressures from development projects, especially relating to tiger populations.
- The Nallamala Forest remains a vital ecological zone in India, but faces significant threats from resource extraction and development.