Probe into BALCO public hearing

Korba, Chhattisgarh, May 30 (UNI) A probe has begun into a controversial public hearing in a tehsil office premises, on November 16 last year, regarding environmental clearance for setting up a 5.50 lakh-tonne smelter and 300-MW power plant Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd.

Official sources told UNI here today that the inquiry follows a directive from the Prime Minister's Office.

The Union Environment and Forests Ministry's Bhopal Regional Office Deputy Forest Conservator Pradeep Vasudev reached here today and recorded statements of Congress leaders, citizens, Additional Collectior P Nihlani and BALCO officials.

UNI XC-AC 2121