Published Mar 02, 2026 | 3:25 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 02, 2026 | 3:44 PM
The former minister demanded a comprehensive probe into KLSR, suspension of its operations pending investigation.
Synopsis: BRS Working President KT Rama Rao has urged Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy to cancel alleged irregular mining e-auction tenders in Suryapet. He cited forest land violations, missing mandatory survey data, and disregard of court directions. KTR accused bidders of past illegal mining and demanded suspension, independent investigation, and fresh tenders with full legal and environmental compliance.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao on Monday, 2 March, wrote to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, demanding an immediate investigation and cancellation of what he termed “irregular” mining e-auction tenders in Suryapet district.
In a letter to the chief minister, KTR alleged serious procedural lapses in the e-auction of certain mining blocks — Pasupulabodu, Saidulnama and Sultanpur — initiated by the Department of Mines and Geology under Notification No. 2263906/DM&G MI/Lst/2023 dated August 30, 2024.
He claimed that the mining blocks reportedly include areas falling within approximately 1,100 acres of Reserved Forest land and that the notification and tender documents failed to provide several mandatory particulars.
He said they include precise latitude and longitude coordinates of the boundary corners, block-wise forest compartment details, proper demarcation through Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGPS) survey, detailed survey maps with UTM geo-coordinates and comprehensive geological reports along with estimated mineral resource details as required under the Mineral Auction Rules, 2015 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
KTR stated that such omissions, if true, strike at the foundation of transparency and legality in the auction process. He contended that the Mineral Auction Rules mandate identification of mineral blocks with specific coordinates and complete particulars in tender documents prior to issuance of a Notice Inviting Tender, and that any deviation renders the process legally vulnerable.
The BRS leader further alleged that the auction process was carried forward despite pending legal proceedings and representations before competent authorities. Referring to WP (PIL) No. 21 of 2024 before the High Court of Telangana, he said the court had directed the Director, Mines and Geology, to consider the petitioner’s representation and provide an opportunity of hearing, but claimed that no meaningful action was taken in compliance with the court’s directions.
He also alleged that preferred bidders had been declared and mining blocks handed over despite unresolved legal and environmental concerns. According to the letter, Deccan Cements Ltd. (Saidulnama Block) and NCL Industries Ltd. (Sultanpur Block), declared as preferred bidders, are stated to be facing pending cases relating to serious violations and alleged illegal mining activities in Reserved Forest areas.
KTR further alleged that the Legal Officer of the Mines and Geology Department refused to furnish information regarding the mineral blocks to the complainant, citing confidentiality and potential endangerment of individuals, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
He additionally claimed that the e-auction was conducted without obtaining a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Forest Department.
Citing recent directions of the Supreme Court in matters concerning forest protection and constitution of expert committees, he underscored the necessity of strict compliance with environmental safeguards before permitting mining activity in or around forest land.
In his letter, KTR demanded immediate suspension of all actions pursuant to the impugned e-auction notification, cancellation of the tender process initiated under the said notification, constitution of an independent, and transparent and time-bound investigation by a competent authority.
He also sought issuance of a fresh tender notification, if required, strictly in accordance with law after complete demarcation, scientific survey, disclosure of geological data and obtaining all mandatory environmental and forest clearances.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
