ROW OVER URANIUM MINING IN ANDHRA

New Delhi, 26 September 2006

HYDERABAD, September 27 (INFA):  Like most Chief Ministers in the States, Andhra’s Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has taken special interest in developing his native Kadapa district.

In his district, Reddy has got works launched on fast track on irrigation projects with investment of Rs.4,000 crore.  A medical college complex on the lines of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences and Sri Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Sciences has been started.  A dental college is also proposed.

However, Reddy’s effort for early commissioning of uranium mining and processing operations in his constituency, Pullivendula, have raised the hackles of the Opposition parties, environmental groups and villagers from some affected habitations.

Stone pelting from protestors and lathi-charge on them by the police marred the environmental public hearing on the project.  There was chaos as the supporters and opponents of the project interrupted the rival representatives.  Reddy’s younger brother and Kadpa MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy were nonplussed by the protests in the family’s political fiefdom.

Sensing the Chief Minister’s keenness, Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) claimed that the villagers extended overwhelming support for the project while some environmental activist attempted to provoke villagers against the project.

The Pullivendula project is one of the two uranium mining projects in the State. The other one is proposed in Nalgonda district.  The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the UCIL officials say that radiation from uranium mining will be minimal since the State has only low-grade ore deposits.---INFA

SOLAR POWER HELPS DAIRY FARMERS

NEW DELHI, September 27 (INFA): Solar power continues to make inroads into the Indian renewable energy market with the entry of new and innovative devices. The latest entrant is a dairy milking equipment powered by solar energy.

According to the distributors, Lifeway Solar, the machine which comprises a pulsator and a vacuum pump, apart from the solar panels and battery to store power, ensures hygienic milking which matches international standards.

The new device which works silently would definitely prove to be a boon to the dairy owners who currently have to depend on the noisy diesel machines during power cuts. 

The device which occupies about 2 sq. m of space would provide enough power for milking 25 animals twice a day. 

The device can also double up as a solar power station in case it is not to be used for milking. ---INFA