Scientists For People, a Hyderabad-based group, has asked Krishna District Collector D. K. Balaji to disclose scientific studies and safety frameworks used before issuing a No Objection Certificate (NoC) to Vedanata Limited. The NoC, given on December 22, allows Vedanata to drill for oil and gas at 20 sites in Guduru and Movva mandals using hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The group highlighted scientific risks linked with fracking, especially in the Krishna delta, known for its reliance on canal irrigation and groundwater. They asked if site-specific or regional studies evaluated the effects of fracturing fluids and chemicals on groundwater and canals. They also questioned the hydrogeological suitability of the delta for such drilling and the long-term impacts from multiple well locations. Concerns were raised about the daily withdrawal of large groundwater volumes and if drought or climate changes were factored in. Scientists requested details on the chemicals used, and what containment, monitoring, and emergency response systems were planned to prevent canal and aquifer contamination. They also sought information on proposed water quality monitoring, public access to data, responsible agencies, and how real-time detection and action for accidents or well failures would be handled. The Water Resources Department approved drilling at 20 out of 35 requested locations, denying the rest due to being less than 500 metres from the Bandar canal. The scientists questioned relying solely on this distance rule since fracking risks also arise underground through well failures. The group stressed that transparency is crucial to ease public concern. They clarified their request comes from an informed scientific understanding of the risks, not mere apprehension.