Uranium in Andhra Pradesh: Natural Deposits or Mining Impact?

The Indian government's investigation reveals that uranium contamination in Tummalapalle, Andhra Pradesh, stems from natural deposits. Extensive studies conducted by various agencies, including IIT-Chennai and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, confirm that mining operations are not responsible for the groundwater contamination, attributing it instead to natural uranium deposits in the region.

Uranium contamination in Tummalapalle, Andhra Pradesh, is due to the natural deposits of the radioactive mineral, not mining activity, according to the government.

On Wednesday, Union minister Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that extensive investigations by agencies, including IIT-Chennai and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, found no evidence of contamination from Uranium Corporation of India's mining project.

The studies indicated that significant levels of uranium in groundwater were linked to natural deposits in the area, affecting water quality significantly, Singh explained, in response to a query by YSR Congress Party MP Y S Avinash Reddy.

(With inputs from agencies.)