The State government is unlikely to move forward with the construction of seaport in Bhavanapadu of Santabommali mandal of Srikakulam district with the beginning of agitations in nearby villages of the proposed area. Strong agitation opposing the project is reportedly causing tension among the district officials who are being forced to complete the land acquisition as early as possible.
The district administration issued notification in September, 2015 to acquire 4,763 acres of land but it could not take up the acquisition process due to stiff opposition from locals.
Locals of Bhavanapadu, Pedamarripadu, Chinamarripadu, Devunaltada, Suryamanipuram, Pollada, Kottapeta and Telagapeta joined hands together to form Bhavanapadu Vyatireka Porata Committee to oppose the land acquisition saying that the seaport would ruin their livelihood and make them homeless. The committee decided to organise massive protest at Tekkali RDO office on November 21 and a public meeting at Devunaltada on November 28 to draw the attention of the government.
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Committee president B. Mohana Reddy, Devunaltada Sarpanch S. Chiranjeevulu warned that people would retaliate if the government would go ahead with land acquisition without understanding the people’s grievances. “Majority of the locals depend on fishing activity for their livelihood. It will not be possible after the construction of the port. Thousands of people would have to vacate and move to faraway places without any hope. That is why we strongly oppose the construction of the port,” they added.
Srikakulam Bhu Hakkula Porta Samiti president Chapara Sundarlal said that the government had no right to take back assigned lands since they were under the possession of many poor people and fishermen.
“We strongly oppose destructive development in the district. The government cannot disturb thousands of people with the forcible acquisition which would only benefit the corporate sector,” he added.
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CPI(M) is contemplating to approach the court for the protection of ecology and wetlands of Naupada swamp which is located very near to Bhavanapadu.
According to CPI(M) Research Wing head B. Tulasidas, the construction of the seaport would disturb 121 bird spices and 493 plant spices in the area. “The State government has no right to disturb ecology since majority of the birds are in the red list of the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources,” he added.
Locals form the Bhavanapadu Vyatireka Porata Committee to oppose the land acquisition saying that the seaport will ruin their livelihood and make them homeless