The Srikakulam district administration is making elaborate arrangements near Bhavanapadu, where Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will lay the foundation stone for the sea port project on April 19.
Mr. Jagan will address a public meeting at Naupada and interact with villagers who supported the land acquisition for the ₹4,361-crore project, which was proposed almost a decade ago but could not be implemented due to an inordinate delay in land acquisition and other issues.
The Bhavanapadu Port Development Corporation was established to oversee the project. The government believes that the sea port would spur economic activity and create livelihood opportunities for thousands.
Launch of other projects
Minister for Revenue Dharmana Prasada Rao, Minister for Industries Gudivada Amarnath and other public representatives have been monitoring arrangements being made for the Chief Minister’s visit for past three days. Mr. Prasada Rao said the Chief Minister would lay the foundation stone for the Gotta barrage lift irrigation project as well.
Mr. Jagan is also expected to lay the foundation stone for a fishing harbour at Budagatlapalem at Etcherla constituency in Srikakulam district. “The development activities will ensure livelihood opportunities for thousands, and the sea port and other works will change the economic landscape of the district,” said Mr. Prasada Rao.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) Srikakulam district secretary D. Govinda Rao alleged that the government was constructing Bhavanapadu sea port only to benefit the Adani Group. He said the officials were acquiring over 6,000 acres of land discreetly for the expansion of the project.
