Tension at Visakha Container Terminal as fisherfolk stage protest in Visakhapatnam

The protesters, who had parted with their lands for creation of the terminal in 1993, are demanding that the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and the VCTPL fulfil the promises made to them in the past

Fishermen who gathered outside the gate of the Visakha Container Terminal Private Limited, near the fishing harbour, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: V. RAJU

Tension prevailed in front of the Visakha Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL) on August 29 near the fishing harbour in Visakhapatnam when scores of fisherfolk demonstrated against the management for not resolving their long-pending demands.

A total of 543 beneficiary families, who had parted with their land for the construction of the VCTPL in 1993, demanded that the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and the VCTPL fulfil the promises made in the past.

The fishermen squatted outside the gate from the morning as a mark of protest. They blocked the movement of the container vehicles at the terminal.

Speaking to The Hindu, a leader of the protesters, Ayyappa from Peda Jalaripeta, said the port management had promised 60 square yards of house site, job for a person in each family and ₹1 lakh compensation. “But, nothing has been fulfilled as on date,” he alleged.

The fisherfolk had staged a protest in support of their demands earlier in September 2022.

When contracted, VCTPL authorities said, “They are holding a meeting now over the issue.”