Public hearing for environment impact assessment on granting of lease to Singam Bhavani for exploiting the laterite mineral at Asanagiri village under Sarugudu Panchayat in Nathavaram mandal, scheduled to be held at Sundarakota village near Asanagiri on February 19, has been postponed due to some technical reasons, according to District Revenue Officer K. Nageswara Rao. Fresh schedule of public hearing would be announced later, Mr. Nageswara Rao said here on Tuesday.
When contacted, the DRO said there seemed to be some variations between the Telugu and the English notifications issued on the public hearing.
He would go through the notifications on Wednesday. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s expected visit on February 20 was also a reason since a lot of preparations were needed in advance for his visit, Mr. Nageswara Rao added.
The postponement was welcomed by villagers and environmentalists and rights activists who have been opposing the mining activity, since it would have an adverse impact on the village and crops.
Another important reason for the villagers to oppose laterite mining is that it would eliminate the seven caves in the hill near the village which are revered by them for having idols of their deities.
Villagers, who have been opposing the mining in their area, welcomed the postponement
