Locals oppose power plant in East Godavari

The East Godavari district administration in Andhra Pradesh was today forced to postpone a public hearing over setting up of a coal-based power plant in a village following opposition by some local residents.

The public hearing at Dontamuru village in the district was marred by tremendous opposition by some of those who gathered there. Raising slogans against the move to set up the coal-based power plant by a private company, the protesters alleged that it would cause massive environmental damage.
We are even ready to die in opposing this power project, some protesters said. As some among the crowd threw objects like stones at policemen, police had to indulge in mild cane-charge to bring the situation under control.
The public hearing is meant for freely expressing views, either for or against the project. Some of them threw 'chappals' at the stage and stones at the police, a police official said. Five policemen were injured in the protests, he said. As the protests continued, the district collector decided to postpone the public hearing.
PTI