Residents decry takeover move by port

Instead of trying to send us out, the port should take measures to control pollution, they say

A large number of residents of Kotaveedhi and surrounding areas in old city marched to the Collectorate on Monday demanding that the Visakhapatnam Port Trust control pollution and drop its proposal to take over the area for expansion of the port.

The agitation had been going on for the last few weeks and received support from all political parties.

Leaders of the political parties went to Kotaveedhi before the procession commenced and promised support to Kotaveedhi residents.

Effigy burnt

On the way to the Collectorate, the protestors burnt an effigy of the port at Jagadamba junction and formed a human chain. President of Kotaveedhi Residents Welfare Association M.A. Rasool, leader of fishermen community and a former Corporator Kadiri Appa Rao and other leaders said the Kotaveedhi residents would not vacate the area.

Kotaveedhi was there before the port was built and the people need not leave their homes for the sake of port expansion, they said.

People in the area were facing a lot of hardships due to the pollution caused by the port but instead of taking measures to control pollution, the port management decided to take over the area by sending out the people living there for generations, they said.

A large number of Hindus, Muslims and Christians participated in the protest programme. Many women also took part.

A delegation of residents met Collector Lav Agarwal and gave him a representation. After coming out they said they did not get an immediate assurance.

Later, speaking to reporters, Mr. Agarwal said he had discussed the issue with Visakhapatnam Port Chairman Ajeya Kallam and come to know that the port was not putting pressure on the Kotaveedhi residents and also offered a package of paying higher amount for the land.