Rains trigger ‘diamond hunt’ in Andhra villages

Naveen S Garewal
Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, July 21

Farmers and migrant workers are making a beeline towards several villages of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh where diamonds are said to be surfacing in the fields after topsoil has been eroded due to incessant rains. Known for the famous ‘Golconda’ diamonds, the region is said to have the precious stones buried under its soil. Nothing new for the locals, this is known as the annual “diamond hunt” in the Rayalaseema region of the state.

The rush has increased after a farmer is reported to have found a fairly large diamond in his fields in Gollavanepalli village in Kurnool district. According to the local buzz, the diamond, valued at around Rs 60 lakh, was sold for just Rs 13.5 lakh and 50 grams of gold in coins to a merchant identified as Allah Baksh. The local police have, however, denied any knowledge of such a sale, but admitted that the diamond hunt was an annual feature.

Several diamond hunters have been camping in makeshift tents along the Tungabhadra and Hundri rivers, where diamonds are said to surface during the monsoons due to soil erosion. Many people are said to have found small diamonds and most of them are focusing around several villages that include Jonnagiri, Tuggali, Maddikera, Pagidirai, Peravali, Mahanandi, and Mahadevapuram.

The Krishna basin, along with that of its tributaries, is historically known for producing diamonds, which are locally known as Golconda diamonds. Even as the exact size, colour, and weight of the diamond remain unknown, the news has spread like wild fire. The police said they too have heard about the find, but are not aware about the farmer or the merchant who is alleged to have purchased the diamond. The police said they were investigating the matter.

Hidden treasure

• There are several villages in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh where diamonds are said to surface in the fields after erosion of soil due to incessant rains
• A farmer is reported to have found a fairly large diamond in his fields in Gollavanepalli village in Kurnool district
• According to local buzz, the diamond, valued at around Rs 60 lakh, was sold for just Rs 13.5 lakh and 50 grams of gold in coins to a merchant