Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao said that, though G.O was issued for resumption of bauxite mining in forest land in Visakhapatnam district, a final decision on it will be taken at AP Cabinet meeting next week.  

Speaking to the media, yesterday Janasena Chief Pawan Kalyan said that, he asked the government to re-think upon bauxite mining G.O. So within a few hours of Naidu and Pawan Kalyan meet, the government immediately responded on the mining G.O.

Regarding this, Ganta said, “Though GO 97 (for resumption of bauxite mining in Vizag agency) has been issued, the government will respect the sentiments and feelings of the locals and take a decision on bauxite mining at the Cabinet meeting on November 16.”

He further criticized former united AP CM, late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, alleging that it was he, who pushed the bauxite mining in Vizag agency and now, it is funny that, YSRCP leaders are now claiming that they are against bauxite mining in the area.
Answering to the question, that whether he received any death threat calls from Maoists over bauxite mining issue, Ganta said there are no such calls.  

Recently, the AP government gave the approval for the bauxite mining, with certain conditions, on 1212 hectares of forest land in Visakhapatnam district.  

Reportedly, the naxals had asked to cancel the G.O, as it would affect the livelihood of the tribals.

Meanwhile, Araku Utsav, which is supposed to begin today is postponed, anticipating the protests by locals in Vizag agency over the issue of bauxite mining and decided to conduct it along with Visakha Utsav, from December 25th to 27th.

After land pooling, bauxite mining is another big issue, the AP government hinting positive signs, after Pawan Kalyan’s request.

Earlier, after AP government withdrew land pooling, Bethapudi villagers named a colony, after Pawan Kalyan. Now, as Ganta specified, if the government withdraws the G.O., then not only the farmers, even among the tribals, Pawan would be the real hero.

By Phani Ch