Uranium project: CM says state's interests will be protected

Hyderabad, Feb 19 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today assured the Assembly that no project jeopardising the state's interest would be cleared.

The proposed uranium mining project in Kadapa district would be taken up only after ensuring it was not harmful, he said, intervening during Question Hour.

Earlier, Forests Minister S Vijayaramaraju told P Keshav and other TDP members that the State Pollution Control Board would thoroughly examine the proposal of the Uranium Corporation of India before giving consent for the project.

While stating that a public hearing was conducted largely on a positive note on September 10 last, he said concerns expressed by a few people would be considered by Project proponents and regulatory authorities.

Radioactive wastes were covered under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and regulated by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. These rules did not come under the purview of the State Pollution Control Board, he added.

UNI