Former MLA Mudunuri Prasada Raju of the YSRC on Monday urged the government to take note of the pleas of fishermen on loss of their livelihood because of the onshore drilling operations by the oil companies in the Krishna-Godavari basin. Addressing a media conference here on Monday, he wanted the government to ensure that the oil companies pay a monthly compensation of Rs. 6,700 for each fishermen family affected by the drilling operations.
The fishing was prohibited by the oil companies within the radius of 3km around the drilling sites, The noise pollution caused by surveillance boats of the companies resulted in migration of marine species, especially the fish, away deep into the sea, Mr. Raju said.
A stretch of 60km was earmarked for drilling operations from Yanam to Pedamynivani Lanka covering the KG basin and Yanam and over 20 rigs were engaged to exploit oil and natural gas from the reserves onshore.
The YSRC leader said a little over 10,000 fishermen families were deprived of a source of living by the drilling operations.
The oil companies had agreed to pay the compensation amounting to Rs 6,700 for each affected family per month following a massive protest by the fishermen, he wanted them to extend a similar gesture in West Godavari district.
He said he would take up the issue with Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy with a request to avoid unrest among the fishermen in the district.
