Tribal Farmers Unite Against Proposed Thermal Power Plant in Andhra Pradesh

In a significant development for the tribal communities in northern Andhra Pradesh, local farmers are mobilizing against plans to establish a thermal power plant in the Chelam Hill range. On September 11, 2025, Savara Minna Rao and his wife Raani, who cultivate cotton on their one-acre farm at the base of the hills, alerted fellow villagers after spotting a drone surveying their land, which they suspect is linked to government plans. “At around 11 a.m., a giant drone flew over my cotton field. My wife noticed it moving towards our Chelam Hills,” Minna Rao explained.

The situation heightened tensions among the Savara and Jatapu tribes, particularly after the Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGENCO) announced its proposal in January to construct a 3,200 MW coal-based thermal power plant at an estimated cost of ₹30,000 crore. The proposed site, located within the Chiguruvalasa and Jangalapadu Panchayats, has sparked protests from local farmers.

The Chelam Hill range is not only ecologically significant but also a vital agricultural area for the tribal communities. These farmers cultivate various crops, including cotton, maize, and turmeric, and rely on the forest for additional resources. “We grow everything in our forest and hills except salt, and in return, nature blesses us with timely rains and streams,” said Koorangi Bangaramma, a Savara elder.

In the core area of the proposed project, Bodlapadu village, 25 households primarily engage in cotton farming, each managing at least two acres. Bangaramma’s concerns reflect the sentiments of many, as she noted that compensation offered by the government cannot replace the disrupted ecosystem.

Local resistance is gaining momentum, with the Power Plant Vyatirekha Porata Committee (PPVPC) leading the charge against the project. President Badangi Suresh Dora emphasized their determination to prevent surveys without community consent. “We are resolved not to allow any survey on our land and air without consent,” he stated.

Despite their efforts, officials from APGENCO argue that the thermal power plant is essential for meeting the region’s growing energy demands. Srikakulam District Collector Swapnil Dinakar described the Chelam Hill range as “suitable” for the project due to its geographical advantages. “The feasibility study is in progress, and the project will contribute to industrial growth,” he asserted.

The ongoing protests have drawn support from neighboring non-tribal and Dalit communities. Villagers from over ten surrounding areas are joining forces with the Savara and Jatapu tribes to oppose the project, which they see as a threat to their livelihoods and the environment.

The region has a historical context of environmental activism, having previously witnessed movements against coal-based power plants. Notably, protests in Sompeta and Kakarapalli resulted in police violence and the eventual cancellation of proposed projects due to community resistance. Dr. Y. Krishna Murthy, a leader in the Sompeta movement, affirmed that the current struggle against the Vennelavalasa thermal power plant will receive similar support. “A thermal power plant will be an environmental disaster that leads to the pollution of air and natural resources in the surroundings,” he stated.

As the situation unfolds, the determination of the local tribes to protect their land and resources remains resolute. They are prepared to intensify their protests and continue advocating for their rights, emphasizing that any government initiative must respect their voices and protect the delicate balance of their environment.