VISAKHAPATNAM: An hour-long public hearing conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) on Polavaram (Indira Sagar) multi-purpose project on Monday turned into a tame affair with no major objections. "As the benefits are far-reaching, I think none has any objection to make,'' District Collector Praveen Prakash declared after winding up the public hearing held at the Collectorate, amid unprecedented police bandobust.

Contrary to expectations, there were no fireworks with none from any advocacy group or NGO attending the public hearing.

`Farcical show'

However, representatives of Human Rights Forum (HRF) and Samata, an NGO, later termed it a `farcical show.'

Seeking re-convening of the public hearing, HRF secretary V.S. Krishna said it should be held with proper notification after making public the detailed project report, environment impact assessment, environment management plan, relief and rehabilitation plan and cost-benefit analysis to the potential project-oustees.

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