The local communities, NGOs and other groups opposed the setting up of a beach sand mineral separation plant by the Trimex group at Bhavanapadu in Srikakulam district at a public hearing on Thursday, while political leaders expressed support to the plant.

The public hearing was conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board at Komaraltada village of Vajrapukotturu mandal under tight security. It was chaired by Mr E. Sridhar, Joint Collector.

Dr N.L. Rao, company's representative, explained to the public that there need be no apprehensions on pollution and all preventive steps would be taken. The company would implement anti-pollution measures and the requisite technologies were available. There would be no groundwater pollution or sea water incursion into the coastal aquifers as feared by the environmentalists. The company would generate jobs and it would take up many programmes as a part of its corporate social responsibility. Trimex had already set up a mineral separation plant at Srikurmam in the district and there had been no problems, he explained.

However, Mr V.S Krishna, of the Human Rights Forum, and other activists expressed themselves against the project, saying it would devastate the environment and cause irreparable loss. The livelihood of farmers, fishermen and other local communities would be adversely affected and the losses would far outweigh the few gains from the plant.

Many local political leaders, however, wanted the establishment of the plant, as it would generate employment and prevent migration of labour from the district.

Mr Sridhar said the opinions of all sections would be recorded and conveyed to the State Government.

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