Andhra Pradesh CM indicates bauxite mining decision still open

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday assured a Left party delegation here that tribal people would be consulted before a final decision was taken on bauxite mining in the Agency areas of Visakhapatnam.

He told the political leaders that the decision would depend on the response of tribal people to the consultations.

Panchayat Raj Minister Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu said that mining of bauxite cannot be taken up by the State Government unless the Department of Mining issues a GO to that effect. He too said that the Government would respect the sentiments of people in the tribal areas.

The State Forest Department issued GO No. 97 on November 5 after the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests gave clearance for mining in the Jerrela area but another GO from the State Mining Department is needed to take up bauxite mining,” the Minister explained on Thursday. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu decided to put the decision on hold after he was informed about the situation in the Agency areas.

After the issue was put on hold in the cabinet meeting held last Monday, the investors, namely, Jindal Aluminium and Anrak Aluminium, were clearly irked as it was made clear that they will now have to carry the cost burden for an indefinite period of time until a decision is reached.

However, it seems CM is still hopeful about taking the state’s mineral development initiatives forward, and has not given up on bauxite mining in Vishakhapatnam. So, whether he succeeds in taking the tribal people into his confidence or not, only time will tell.