Public hearing on the environment impact on laterite mining proposed at Asanagiri under Saragudu panchayat in Nathavaram mandal in the district was conducted by the AP Pollution Control Board at Sundarakota, a village near Asanagiri, on Wednesday amid heavy police deployment.
The district administration and the police expected trouble during the public hearing since villagers of Asanagiri and other villages have been strongly opposing the laterite mining in the area (for Wednesday’s hearing an extent of nearly 90 acres was proposed) as it would deprive them of their farm land and water sources apart from causing a huge amount of pollution.
They also fear that the caves in the Gangalamma Konda near Asanagiri in which there are some idols would vanish. They also believe that Alluri Sitarama Raju during the ‘manyam pituri’ period had lived in the caves.
The police started their preparations well in advance telling Asanagiri villagers not to create trouble during the public hearing and bind over cases were reportedly filed against some persons. At the venue, whether it was by accident or by intent, those opposing laterite mining were made to sit on the floor, while those supporting it seated in chairs. The stage on which the officials were sitting was enclosed by wire mesh.
Speakers’ views
Villagers were called to speak according to a list prepared by the officials and those not mentioned in the list were not allowed inside. Naturally voices opposing mining were very few and those supporting mining said it would help them to have good roads, etc. and they also wanted every promise made in writing and implemented.
Roughly about 300 persons attended the public hearing and 200 police personnel were seen on duty.
After the public hearing exercise, a local youth, J. Pandu, said it was a big farce as those opposing were not allowed to speak and even those supported did not understand the damage the mining would cause to them. CPI(M) district secretary K. Lokanadham said the Environment Impact Assessment report was riddled with mistakes and also many important issues were not mentioned. CPI leaders B. Venkata Ramana and Razak also strongly opposed the mining proposal.
Later, District Revenue Officer K. Nageswara Rao said a report on the public hearing would be sent to the government.
