May 13: A host of coal-based thermal power projects coming up in and around Krishnapatnam port in SPSR Nellore district has been raising environmental concerns among people living in the vicinity of the proposed projects. As many as seven projects, including those of Genco and Reliance have chosen locations close to the port for easy transportation of coal. Since they are not aware of the possible threat to the environment, locals who have been assured jobs in the projects, offered no resistance during public hearings for each project. In fact, government officials played a major role in keeping locals in good humour, citing future benefits because of industrialisation. However things started changing after Left parties and the Jana Vignana Vedika enlightened locals on future hazards. Moreover, the ongoing agitation in neighbouring Prakasam district against Genco