Hyderabad: The campaign to save Nallamalla forests gained further momentum on Friday with leading celebrities joining the chorus against the proposed uranium exploration and mining.
#SaveNallamalla 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 online petition addressed to the President urging him to intervene to save the forests spread over Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
As the voice grew louder, Telangana's Minister K.T. Rama Rao assured that he will personally discuss the matter with Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao.
"I hear all of your concern on the issue of uranium mining in Nallamala forest. Assure you all that Ii shall personally discuss the matter with Hon'ble CM KCR Garu," tweeted Rama Rao, who is also Working President of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and son of the Chief Minister.
The online petition, also signed by actress Anasuya Bharadwaj, voiced concern over the impact the uranium exploration will have on the forests, part of which falls in Amrabad Tiger Reserve and Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve.
"Do we need development? Yes!! But at what cost? Uranium mining will not only destroy the forest, it will contaminate the soil,flora and fauna..the waste will seep into the rivers and spread for miles & affect thousands of Indians," tweeted actor Randeep Hooda.
Well-known Indian doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta, well-known director Shekhar Kammula and actor Tanikella Bharni have already declared their support to the campaign to save Nallamalla.
The Centre in May this year granted in-principle clearance for uranium exploration in Nallamalla.
Popular actor and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader Pawan Kalyan has also already announced his support against uranium exploration and mining. He backed 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.
Young actor Vijay Devarkonda of "Arjun Reddy" fame on Thursday came out in support of Save Nallamalla 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 deteriorating 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," read Devarakonda's post on Twitter.