Public Hearing Held in Kakinada Over SAFONE India Aviation, Biofuel Project
Some speakers expressed anger that local people, in particular fisherfolk of the area as well as public representatives, including MLAs, have not been consulted about the project.
Kakinada:The public hearing over the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report prepared ahead of the proposed establishment of 93,352 MTPA Sustainable Aviation and Biofuel project to be set up by SAFONE India SPKompact Private Limited near Kakinada had no smooth sailing.
Those speaking at the Maritime Board office on Thursday during the hearing questioned the EIA report itself, saying it is riddled with errors and appears to be a plagiarised copy-paste job carried out with no understanding of the Kakinada area.
However, many speakers made it clear that they do not oppose the project. They maintained that the chosen site is wrong environmentally, as the area is the habitat for migratory birds, has wetlands, mangroves, and mudflats, and comes under the CRZ-1 category.
Some speakers expressed anger that local people, in particular fisherfolk of the area as well as public representatives, including MLAs, have not been consulted about the project. Human Rights Forum (HRF) state general secretary Y. Rajesh said the Environment Impact Assessment report contains half-truths and falsehoods. He demanded that the public hearing be treated as cancelled and a new EIA prepared before another hearing is held.
In particular, the HRF representative questioned the air quality numbers measured at eight locations for three months. Further, he observed that the hydrogen and bio-naphtha at the project could evaporate in the heat of Kakinada and become flammable, threatening the people of Vakalapudi, Thimmapuram, Jagannaickpur, and Chollangi.
High Court advocate Surya Kondeti opposed the choice of project site as it has biodiversity and is a protected area.
Dharitri Foundation secretary Surekha said the project comes under the CRZ area and will have an impact on the ecosystem and environment.
Telugu Desam leader Tummala Ramesh said the project will adversely affect the people of Parlopeta, Dummulapeta, and Yetimoga. Former corporator and Telugu Desam leader Vommi Balaji said that the site is a mangrove growing area. The National Green Tribunal has issued clear directives not to disturb mangroves.
However, JNTUK professor and environmental engineer K.V.S.G. Muralikrishna, Paryavarana Parirakshana Samithi leader J.T. Rama Rao and others spoke in favour of the project.
Kakinada revenue divisional officer S. Mallibabu maintained that all the speakers have welcomed the project but raised some objections, which should be addressed by the company.
Those present included engineers of the AP Pollution Control Board.
Consultants of the project said that all objections will be addressed and the environment within the project area will be protected.