VISAKHAPATNAM: Opposition parties came together to chalk out an action plan opposing bauxite mining in the agency area of the district citing overwhelming opposition to setting up of a refinery at a recent public hearing. Representatives of TDP, CPI and BJP were present. Leaders of the CPI(M) could not attend the meeting as there was a protest in the agency.

Addressing the media on Monday, TDP MLA from Chodavaram, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, said coordinated efforts would be made by involving people from the plains and the tribal area as both of them would be affected by the mining. A meeting with representatives of tribals would be conducted to discuss future course and a public interest litigation would be filed. He wanted the Government to answer questions on whether mining would affect water sources in the agency, impact on wildlife, highly water consumptive nature of the industry and the water contamination because of fly ash and slurry produced in the processing.

The MLA also wanted the Government to make it clear whether Raiwada water would be given to farmers.

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