The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Fishermen mob Rosaiah

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Friday, May 16, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Fishermen mob Rosaiah

Special Correspondent

Oppose coastal corridor

Project cannot be stalled, he says
Assures them of suitable compensation

CHIRALA: Finance Minister K. Rosaiah was on Thursday mobbed by fishermen of Motupalli and nearby villages to express their ire against the proposed Vodarevu Nizampatnam Port and Industrial Corridor leading to tension.

The fishermen were agitated over the Rs.16,000-crore industrial corridor proposed between Vodarevu and Motupalli villages in Prakasam district, which required acquisition of 9,000 acres of land spreading over four villages and 13 habitations. The project includes a port and mega power plant.

Fears aplenty

The fishermen expressed fear that the shipyard would displace them and affect their livelihood, besides causing pollution in the sea. They urged Mr. Rosaiah to see that the project was not located here. They raised slogans demanding that the government give up the project, implement the Coastal Zone Regulations, avoid pollution of sea and protect their livelihood.

Mr. Rosaiah tried to pacify the crowd saying that the decision had been taken at the highest level and it cannot be stalled at this stage.

He assured the prospective evacuees that the government would pay suitable compensation to their land and take all steps for their proper rehabilitation. He exhorted the fishermen not to stall the project that would spur development in the area and increase employment opportunities.

Mr. Rosaiah was here to participate in a string of private programmes. He inaugurated two safe drinking water projects constructed by the Naandi Foundation at Ramakrishnapuram and Kothapet at a cost of Rs. 14 lakhs each. He inaugurated a similar plant got up by the Mahatma Gandhi Market Traders’ Association.

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