Locals prefer private firm to govt

Locals prefer private firm to govt
By SNV Sudhir
Yerakannapalem (Vizag), Nov 17, 2011: Public hearing by APPCB on the proposed laterite mining in Yerakannapalem village on Thursday was held amidst divided opinion of the local tribals. While some of them opposed mining raising concerns over losing their livelihood and land, majority opined that mining activity would bring “change” in their lives as they have been deprived of various government schemes since ages.
APPCB held public hearing to elicit opinion of locals on the proposed laterite mining in 121 hectares by one J Lakshman Rao. Once government gives a go ahead nod to mine laterite around 16 villages coming under Sarugudu Panchayat in Narsipatnam mandal would be affected. Hearing was held amidst tight security since the area falls under naxal zone. Tension prevailed for sometime when the team of government officials led by joint collector Girija Shankar was stopped by a group of tribals, who were opposing the mining, by going ahead into the village where the hearing was supposed to be held. After persuasion by the village elders and government officials the team was allowed to conduct the hearing.
“We have been deprived of roads, hospitals and schools since ages. Now the mining company representatives promised us that they would develop our area. Until now no politician, no political party, no government nor an officer approached us asking about our wellbeing. Thanks to laterite now focus is on our villages. That’s the reason we are welcoming mining activity. Those who are opposing are our detractors,” said Satyakumari, a 17 year old girl of Yerakannapalem.
Environtalists, representatives of various NGOs who tried to air their concerns on pollution and rehabilitation issues at the hearing were embarrassed lot as they received stiff resistance from the locals shouting “go back” slogans.
“It’s unfortunate to witness this kind of situation. Mining lobby lured local tribals promising heaven and earth. Innocent tribals don’t know what’s there in the store for them. Mining will have a devastating affect on the environment. They will be ignored and neglected by the same mining company after sometime. What is the guarantee that the company provides all the facilities forever? It’s the job of government to ensure development and welfare of deprived class,” said Forum for Better Visakha, representative SB Rao.
Representative of the lesse J Lakshman Rao, Mr Murali told at public hearing that 20 percent of the profits over mining would be spent on development of the local area and welfare of locals. There was also controversy over the status of mining area. “We have written to the tribal welfare secretary to confirm whether the mining area falls under scheduled area or plain area and expecting reply very soon. Here we have recorded all the proceedings of the public hearing, which will be sent to the ministry of environment and forests for further procedures and permissions,” said joint collector Girija Shankar.