Date:25/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/25/stories/2006092513140300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Others

Politicians fuelling regional passions: Chukka Ramaiah

Staff Reporter

Criticises successive Governments for not tackling industrial pollution

Patancheru (Medak): Academician Chukka Ramaiah criticised politicians for setting aside real issues and whipping up regional passions to settle their political agenda.

Addressing the valedictory of the two-day ninth State-level convention of Jana Vignana Vedikahere today, Mr. Ramaiah made these observations without naming any political outfit.

Referring to the untapped potential of natural resources in Telangana and Rayalaseema regions, Mr. Ramaiah said that people of these regions had to suffer because of the lack of vision of politicians.

Coming heavily on the successive Governments for not tackling the growing menace of industrial pollution, particularly in Patancheru area of Medak district, Mr. Ramaiah said that natural lakes and ponds should be protected and repaired. He said that the current passive kind of education should be replaced by one that encourages scepticism. Earlier in the day, the convention resolved to demand that the State and Centre set up an IIT in Basara of Adilabad. The members said that according IIT status to Osmania and Andhra universities would do injustice to students of weaker sections.