Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Coastal development: experts urged to find solution

VISAKHAPATNAM: Strict implementation of provisions of Environmental Protection Act, Coastal Regulation Zone Act in respect of industrial units would ensure environmental protection to a great extent. But the RR (Relief and Rehabilitation) package left much to be desired, leading to conflicts. Experts should come out with solutions to resolve these conflicts. Involvement of people for whose benefit, development and welfare schemes were executed was essential, said VUDA Chairman, V. Nagendra Vishnu.

Addressing a seminar on ‘Conflicts in Coastal Area Development vis-a-vis Occupations/ Livelihood’ organised by the Forum for Action Research and Policy Analysis (FARPA) and Institute of Development and Policy Studies (IDPS) here on Sunday, he referred to three growth engines viz., infrastructure development, service sector and information technology and wanted experts to assess the impact of setting up new industries on people residing in those areas. Sixty percent of population in the country was below the age of 30. The impact of industries along the coast would be felt mainly by fishermen. These aspects should be born in mind, he said.

Mr.Vishnu, who is also the vice-chairman of the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petro Investment Region, assured to take into consideration all recommendations of the experts at the seminar.

R.V. Rama Rao, Director, IDPS and member, National Appraisal Committee for Thermal Power Projects, in his welcome address wanted comprehensive study of environmental issues before setting up projects. He had also referred to a number of thermal power projects in the pipeline and advocated people-specific RR packages, pointing that fishermen needed a special package. A draft Fishermen Rights Bill, to protect the traditional rights of fishermen would be introduced in Parliament in December, he said. Thermal power plants require lot of coal which had to be imported. For this harbours would have to be developed and steps to ensure pollution-free transport should be taken. Industries which do not cause any harm to environment would be welcomed by people, he said.

Former Minister Gouthu Syam Sundar Sivaji recalled the serious apprehensions of people in the coastal area of Srikakulam district about the harmful impact of the proposed thermal power projects and wanted the experts to clarify these issues and convince people who are likely to be affected. D. Satyanarayana, a retired professor, felt that the noxious impacts of power projects had been exaggerated. Fly ash that emanated from coal firing could be reused and development of greenery would take care of carbon dioxide component, he said.

Senior officers from Pollution Control Board, APIIC, Thermal Power Projects, National Institute of Oceanography attended the seminar.

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