The move of the AP Government to allow bauxite mining in the Eastern Ghats of Visakhapatnam district will disturb peace in the hills, O. Ramamurthy, the convenor of anti-bauxite JAC, has said.

Condemning the White Paper released by the State Government on bauxite mining, he said it was unfortunate that the document was only on bauxite and did not refer other tribal issues or their welfare. "The Government is responsible for the welfare of the citizens and it has taken a decision that will displace thousands of tribals that affect the lives of both tribals and people living in the plains," he said.

Bauxite mining would lead to contamination of water sources land rivulets emanating from the hills and the reservoirs at Sileru, Raiwada and Thatipudi that supply water for irrigation and drinking water would be affected, he said.

"The Constitution has given full rights over the land and resources in the agency area in Eastern Ghats to the tribals living there and the Government cannot take up any activity without the permissions of the tribals. There are no panchayat resolutions permitting bauxite mining. Further, even the TAC has passed a resolution asking the Government to cancel bauxite mining," he said.

The members of the JAC criticised the Government for setting up a toll-free number for gathering public opinion on the issue. They pointed out that "there is poor or no connectivity in most of the areas that the mining is likely to be taken up. The Government should have gone to the doorsteps of the tribals for collecting the information. The toll free phone would only help the people of the plains to register their opinion and not the affected persons."

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

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