The Hindu Business Line : AP keen on bauxite mining in Vizag

IN spite of the mounting opposition to bauxite mining in the agency (tribal) area of Visakhapatnam district and the MoU signed by the State Government with the Jindal group for setting up a smelter here, the Government seems to be keen on expediting the project.

According to the District Collector, Mr Praveen Prakash, steps would be taken expeditiously to get the project going. At a review meeting with officials during the weekend, he issued instructions to officials to that effect. He advised them to follow the environmental protection and pollution control measures adopted by the National Aluminium Company (Nalco) at its Damanjodi plant in Orissa.

By utilising the bauxite reserves in Araku and Anantagiri mandals in the district, employment opportunities could be generated, he said.

He said the Government would take up mining of bauxite in Beesupuram, Galikonda, Eguvasobha, Diguvasobha and Chinthamgandi areas. A joint survey by revenue, forest and mining departments would be conducted for the purpose. Officials should interact with the local people and assure them that mining in the area would not affect them in anyway and on the other hand would provide them job opportunities, he explained.

Mr Prakash led a study team to the Nalco plant at Damanjodi on Friday. The Executive Director of Nalco, Mr K.R. Routray, explained to the team the production processes and the requisite eco protection measures.

The Andhra Pradesh Girijana Sangham, however, is continuing with its agitation against the project and a "chalo collectorate" is planned later this week to register its protest.

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