Diamond Hunters Descend On Kurnool: Here's Why Locals 'Treasure' First Monsoon Rainfall
Last Updated:
Experts say the rainfall helps expose the stones by washing away the topsoil. Locals estimate that diamonds worth Rs 4 to Rs 5 crore are found annually in these parts
Monsoon rainfall is precious for rural India. More so in Kurnool district, as with the season's first showers, diamond seekers from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have begun arriving in Maddikera and Tuggali mandals in search of precious stones, according to a report by The New Indian Express. Villagers and fortune-seekers, driven by age-old legends of buried treasures from the Vijayanagara era, have descended on areas such as Jonnagiri, Peravali, Pagidirayi, and Madanantapuram.
Recent reports of valuable stone discoveries have intensified the rush. 'A rumour is spreading that a man from Tuggali found stones worth Rs 10 lakh," Jonnagiri resident G Rama Krishna told TNIE. 'We haven't seen proof, but it's enough to get people moving."
Currently, only local villagers are involved, but hundreds more from Kurnool, Anantapur, Kadapa, Prakasam, and Karnataka's Bellary district are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Many will set up makeshift tents and camp in nearby areas.
Experts say the rainfall helps expose stones by washing away the topsoil. Locals estimate that diamonds worth Rs 4 to Rs 5 crore are found annually in these mandals.
The diamond hunt extends beyond the Kurnool district. In neighbouring Anantapur district, as soon as the first rains fall, villagers in areas such as Jonnagiri, Tuggali, Maddikera, Pagidirayi, and Peravali mandals begin their search for diamonds. This tradition involves villagers meticulously scratching the wet ground, hoping to uncover hidden treasures.
According to reports, a farmer from Jonnagiri last year experienced a stroke of incredible luck. After a bout of rainfall, this farmer, while engaged in fieldwork, discovered a diamond valued at 1.5 million rupees. The news of this discovery spread quickly, and it was reported that a trader purchased the diamond for a sum of Rs 1,200,000 in cash, along with 5 tolas of gold jewellery.
First Published:
May 29, 2025, 20:22 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Thenpennai bridge washed away in December 2024 floods not designed per norms: Arappor Iyakkam
CHENNAI: The Rs 15.9-crore bridge built across Thenpennai river, connecting Agarampallipattu and Thondamanur villages in Tiruvannamalai district, which was inaugurated last September and washed away in the unprecedented floods in December during Cyclone Fengal, was not constructed as per the design standards recommended by the Indian Road Congress for high-level bridges. Soon after the bridge's collapse, the highways department had said that the bridge was designed to withstand flood levels up to 54,000 cusecs and on the day of the collapse (December 3), the water flow in the river was triple the level at 1.68 lakh cusecs. However, documents released on Wednesday by NGO Arappor Iyakkam showed that the maximum water discharge recorded in the last 100 years was not taken into consideration, as recommended by the IRC. It said that this is despite the Public Works Department communicating to the state highways before the finalisation of the contract for the bridge that a maximum discharge of 2.8 lakh cusecs was recorded in the river near the proposed site in 1972, which is 40 % lesser than the discharge witnessed during the floods in December.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Chellanam sea erosion: Kerala HC summons Ernakulam district collector, other govt officials
1 2 Kochi: HC has directed govt officials, including the Ernakulam district collector, irrigation department officials and Chellanam grama panchayat secretary to appear in court on Thursday along with relevant files in connection with a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking protection for residents of Chellanam from sea erosion. The bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji issued the order in a petition filed by T A Dalfine of Chellanam and two other residents. The 2021 petition described the recurring hardships faced by residents during monsoon. According to the petitioners, although the installation of Geo tubes had commenced as a temporary protective measure following protests by residents, the work was later abandoned. They also pointed out that despite the state govt sanctioning Rs 15 crore for the reconstruction of the damaged sea wall at nine locations, the project failed to materialise. Considering the matter, HC noted that the issue required a two-pronged approach — immediate short-term intervention in view of the approaching monsoon and a long-term permanent solution. The senior govt pleader informed HC that he would seek instructions from the officers concerned regarding urgent measures. Similar submissions were made by counsel for Chellanam panchayat. In view of the urgency and to prevent further delay, HC directed the senior govt pleader and the panchayat counsel to ensure that their respective officers appear before court on June 5 with all necessary documents.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Use cold mix to quick fix potholes: BBMP Chief
BENGALURU: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Administrator Tushar Girinath has instructed civic agencies to promptly fill potholes in the city with cold mix and eco-fix materials. At a meeting with officials on Tuesday, Girinath emphasised the need for swift action in tackling the menace of potholes, especially during the rainy season. 'In the eight BBMP zones, local contractors must be engaged to procure asphalt and complete the pothole-filling work promptly. Daily reports on the progress of pothole-filling work must be submitted,' he said. Informing that road asphalting projects worth Rs 690 crore are currently under way within BBMP limits, Girinath instructed officials to ensure that the work is completed without any delay. On flooding that proved to be the Achilles' heel of the Palike, he said during the monsoon, waterlogging is expected at 82 key locations. 'Steps must be taken to prevent water accumulation on roads, and ensure smooth flow of rainwater into side drains,' he said.
