The Movement Against Uranium Project (MAUP) has faulted Andhra Pradesh (AP) Pollution Board (APPB) hearing on uranium mining in the state as a “mockery” through a “private rather than a public meaning.” This is yet another criticism of AP’s disastrous environmental record under Chief Minister Y.S.R. Reddy.

The APPB had organized a public hearing on the proposed uranium mining project in Kadapa district and environmental groups called the meeting a “farce” where “goondaism” dominated the hearing. However, the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) said the meeting was “successful.” MAUP says that a “large number of hired people brought from the villages not likely to be affected by the project, and prevention of those likely to be directly affected, are clear indications” that the APPB wanted to manufacture consent.

UCIL wants to set up a Rs 1,030 crore (USD 223 million) project at Thummalapalle in Kadapa which is also the home of Reddy. The mines there have a capacity of 3000 tons per day for the next 30 years and production is expected to start the fourth year. MAUP says that this “anti-people” project is neither technically feasible nor financially viable and will create serious health issues to the health of the people living in the surrounding villages.

MAUP wanted to void out the previous meeting and organize another in a more transparent manner.