Bauxite mining will be allowed after consent of locals: AP CM

Vizianagaram (AP): Andhra Pradesh government will not take any “hasty” decision on allowing bauxite mining on forest land in Agency area of Visakhapatnam, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said here today.

“We will take up bauxite mining only when locals want it and the government wouldn’t take any hasty decision on the issue,” Naidu said.

The government’s move to allow mining on the forest land has evoked sharp protests from tribals and opposition parties, including Congress.

Participating in “Jan Chaitanya Yatra” at Lakkavarapukota in the district, the CM said his government will not wind up any welfare schemes and rather effectively implement them despite fund crunch.

“TDP government has completed irrigation projects including the much-needed Thotapalli, Pattiseema and has committed to complete some more projects in coming months,” he said.

Naidu said the TDP government will not tolerate irregularities in administration and will prosecute the corrupt.

He also dismissed allegations of incompetence being raised against the TDP government by opposition parties.