Finding fault with the Kakinada Seaports Limited (KSPL) for undertaking dredging operations in the deepwater port, without following the norms prescribed by the government, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Assembly on Sunday sought a detailed report from the KSPL on its operations.
The committee chaired by Bhuma Nagi Reddy inspected the deepwater port and the Kakianda Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) in the wake of a report from the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) that raised objections over the activities of the two firms.
Mr. Nagi Reddy said that the dredging operations taken up by the KSPL were damaging the Hope Island and Kakinada Beach as well. “While the Island is losing its shape, the beach is witnessing frequent soil erosion,” he observed.
Wondering as to why the KSPL was not engaging the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) for the operations, he said that the company must give an explanation as to why private players were being engaged in the task. He sought to know whether or not the KSPL had obtained permissions from the Environment and Forest Departments for the activities.
Mr. Nagi Reddy further alleged that the government had lost revenue to the tune of Rs. 60 crore, as the port management had given the land to a third party on sub-lease. He asked the officials to submit a detailed report by May 5 and the committee would meet in Hyderabad to take further decisions on the issue. Later, the members of the PAC visited the KSEZ and asked the officials to make use of the land acquired for the project at the earliest. Mr. Nagi Reddy asked the officials to withdraw cases field against the farmers for opposing the land acquisition and seeking provide employment to the evacuees.
He said that the KSEZ was not expected to keep the land barren for years together, but to set up industries and contribute to the economic growth. Later, the committee visited the Hope Island and interacted with the fishermen.
Hope Island is losing shape, while Kakinada beach is witnessing frequent soil erosion, owing to dredging operations
Bhuma Nagi Reddy,Assembly PAC Chairman
