Diamond Hunters Throng Andhra Village

VIJAYAWADA, (IANS) – People from various parts of Andhra Pradesh are descending on Gudimetla village in the NTR district for a diamond hunt, following reports that a family chanced upon a large diamond purportedly worth Rs 60 lakh. Men and women not only from surrounding villages and districts but also from other parts of the state are thronging the village located under Chandarlapdu mandal.

The family struck the jackpot during the routine annual diamond hunt, which takes place in the village situated on the banks of the Krishna River. According to some accounts, at least three people have found diamonds while digging in the village in recent days. As word spreads, many families are heading to the site.

Numerous people can be seen digging in the soil and meticulously sifting through stones in hopes of finding diamonds. Two-wheelers are parked in the fields as people from various places descend upon the village to try their luck. Diamond hunting in the village is a well-established practice. During each rainy season, people gather around the area to dig in fields and open spaces, engaging in diamond hunting from morning till evening. Some families even continue the work during the nighttime.

Every year during the rainy season, people begin hunting on the hill near the temple. Local residents believe that the Gudimetla area, having been ruled by kings, contains numerous diamonds buried beneath the soil. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Kohinoor, were discovered in the Krishna River basin. Nevertheless, the large diamond mines have become defunct.

The Rayalaseema region of the state is also renowned for diamond hunting. Last year, a farmer reportedly found a precious stone worth Rs 2 crore. People hunt for precious stones in the agricultural fields between Guntakal and Pathikonda, which are situated on the border between Anantapur and Kurnool districts. During the Vijayanagara empire, Rayalaseema was known for trading precious stones and diamonds.