CPM demo against bauxite mining in Vizag

The CPI (M) today held a massive demonstration at the Vizag collectorate here in protest against the state government's move to mine bauxite in the agency area despite severe resistance from some NGOs.

A few months back, the state government and Jindal South West Holding Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for setting up a one-million tonne capacity alumina refinery at a cost of Rs 9,000 crore near Sabbavaram, which has huge bauxite reserves.

As per the MoU, the AP Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) will excavate bauxite ore and supply it to Jindal's company. The project is expected to generate about 5000 jobs.

Meanwhile, the state Government has completed the identification of land at Sabbavaram mandal area to set up the refinery.

"The government will start the acquisition process of the land very soon. JSW is also submitting all applications to get relevant approvals from the state government," P Vachaspathi, general manager, JSW Aluminium Limited, said.

The APMDC, which will invest Rs 250 crore in the project, has already submitted applications to various departments like Pollution Control Board, and forest department to get the necessary permissions.