The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Hearing boycott puts PCB in a fix

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Hearing boycott puts PCB in a fix

Santosh Patnaik

Requested to submit report

All parties and social action groups take exception to heavy security at the venue
CPI (M) petitions for a fresh public hearing at the areas affected by the project

VISAKHAPATNAM: The AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) seems to be wondering what to do next on the so-called environmental public hearing (EPH) it conducted at Chintapalli over mining of bauxite in Jerrila block.

Joint Collector M. Veerabrahmaiah, who chaired the EPH on Friday, has to submit a report along with minutes and video clippings on the entire proceedings. Ironically, all the parties and social action groups, who came to the venue, in a rare show of unity boycotted protesting against heavy security cordon thrown at Chintapalle.

NGO seeks info

Sources said that within eight days of holding the hearing, the report is supposed to be sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). Based on the outcome, interested parties could challenge it before National Environment Appellate Authority within three months.

Samata, an NGO fighting against mining in tribal areas, has already sought information on public hearing such as minutes and video footage under Right to Information Act.

Ever since EPH for projects involving pollution and displacement was introduced in 1997, nowhere a Chintapalle-type experience was seen.

“It’s really very peculiar and unheard of. The way police posts were deployed and public transport was suspended and their pleas to hold EPH at Jerrila where the affected farmers live were ignored, which speaks volumes about the intention of the authorities,” Samata Executive Director Rebbapragda Ravi said.

Singareni precedent

In the past, following stiff opposition from affected people, pleas for coal mine expansion in 92 of 96 wells by Singareni Coalfields was rejected at a public hearing eight years ago near Mancherial.

A project for setting up a 500 mw gas-based power plant in the city was shelved in 1999 following a strong case put out by its opponents that the project site abutting the highway would be dangerous to public safety.

Fresh hearing

If a decision is taken to hold EPH afresh in view of mass boycott, it is likely to have its impact on hearings to be conducted for APMDC bid to obtain leases in Anantagiri mandal to supply bauxite ore to Jindal South West Aluminium Limited.

“We have already petitioned the MoEF to hold a fresh public hearing at the project affected areas instead of Chitntapalle,” CPI (M) leader Ch. Narsinga Rao said.

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