Tribal Villagers Protest Proposed Hydro Project in ASR District

Visakhapatnam: Tribal residents from several villages in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district staged a protest at the district collectorate on Monday, opposing the proposed hydro-power project and alleging that survey activities were being carried out without their knowledge.

Villagers from Majjivalasa and other affected areas participated in the demonstration. Tension prevailed for some time after a scuffle reportedly broke out between members of the Hydro Power Project Action Committee and police personnel.

Later, a delegation of villagers met district collector T. Nishanthi at the collectorate conference hall in Paderu and submitted representations outlining their concerns over the project.

The collector assured them that their objections and concerns would be forwarded to the government. She said instructions had already been issued to ensure proper coordination, prior intimation and consultations before undertaking surveys or field activities in sensitive areas.

Nishanthi clarified that no survey was currently underway and appealed to the public not to be misled by rumours. She stated that the project would be taken up only after conducting Gram Sabhas in the affected villages and obtaining the views of local communities.

She emphasised that all procedures would be carried out in accordance with applicable laws and policies, with due consideration for the interests of tribal communities and the special provisions governing Scheduled Areas.

Assuring transparency and continued consultations, the Collector said efforts would be made to resolve issues through dialogue and mutual understanding.

ASR district joint-collector Thirumani Sri Pooja, Paderu ITDA project officer Aditya Varma, in-charge DRO M.V.S. Lokeswara Rao, RDO Bujanga Rao, project representatives and villagers from the affected areas attended the meeting.