TDP stages walkout over bauxite mining in AP

Hyderabad, Sep 5 (UNI) The Opposition Telugu Desam Party(TDP) and the CPI members today staged a walkout during the Question Hour in the Council protesting the 'inadequate reply' given by Mines and Geology Minister P Sabita Reddy on bauxite mining in tribal area of Visakhapatnam Distict.

Trouble began when members alleged the government allowed bauxite mining in the area contrary to the wishes of the girijans and expert reports on environment aspects.

Mr Dadi Veerabhadra Rao(TDP) alleged due to the mining, water was not reaching River Sarada effecting one lakh acre of lands in Anakapally, Madugula, Chodavaram, Parawada and Yelamanchili Constituencies.

When Mr Chagala Rayudu (Cong) said it was the TDP Government which gave permission for the mining and members were trying to obstruct development of tribal areas, TDP MLAs protested saying it was not the member's business to reply instead of the Minister.

All the TDP members rushed to the podium and expresed resentment over the remarks.

Later, the Minister said the goverment had given permission to four companies for mining on an area of 1,162 hectare since large quantities of bauxute reserves were available in the district.

The mining activity would only help improve the living conditions of the tribals as they would get employment.

The Andhra Pradesh Mining Development Corporation had been giving training for tribal youth in the area.

Mining would not affect the ground water level and the River Sarada.

The government had given permission after obtaining clearance from the Environment Department, she said.

However, not satisfied with the reply, the TDP members walked out of the House.

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