Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan made a heartfelt appeal to the local fisherfolk on Thursday, asking for 100 days to devise a robust action plan and a comprehensive strategy. His goal: to tackle their pressing livelihood issues and severe marine pollution along the critical Uppada coast.
During a public gathering in Uppada, following extensive discussions with fishing community representatives, Mr. Kalyan announced a personal commitment. “In just three days,” he stated, “I will personally embark on a sea expedition to pinpoint the exact locations where industrial effluents are being discharged by factories operating between Nakkapalli SEZ and the Uppada coast. This region is home to over 7,100 families who depend solely on fishing for their sustenance.”
A Balanced Approach to Industrial Accountability
The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that merely threatening industrialists wouldn’t provide a lasting solution for the fisherfolk’s challenges. “I cannot simply intimidate industries to safeguard the fishing community’s interests,” he explained. He urged the fisherfolk to be wary of politicians who might exploit their grievances for political gain. Instead, he requested patience, promising to deliver a concrete action plan within the promised 100-day timeframe.
Recalling his earlier meeting with Kakinada fisherfolk on Thursday, Mr. Kalyan reassured them of his sincerity. “I will not betray the trust of the fisherfolk,” he affirmed. He highlighted that the community isn’t against industries in principle; their primary concern is the discharge of untreated industrial waste into the sea, which devastates marine life and jeopardizes their livelihoods. He noted that the companies implicated in the pollution were established during the previous administration of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
Comprehensive Pollution Audit and Compensation
Mr. Kalyan then announced that a thorough pollution audit would be conducted across all coastal industries within the next 100 days. This audit will span from the Nakkapalli SEZ to major units like Divis, Aurobindo, and Deccan groups. Concurrently, discussions are underway to develop a comprehensive compensation scheme for fisherfolk, potentially modeled after the successful plan implemented by ONGC. If effective, this compensation framework could be expanded statewide.
Regarding coastal erosion along the Uppada belt, Mr. Kalyan shared positive news: the Central government has tentatively agreed to allocate ₹250 crore for constructing a vital sea protection wall. He pledged to advocate for an increased allocation, aiming for ₹323 crore, during an upcoming meeting on October 14.
He assured the community of regular updates from the State government on these issues, promising continued dialogue until a lasting solution is achieved for all their concerns.
Resolving Fish Landing Disputes and Support for Fishermen
In a significant step towards resolving conflicts, Mr. Kalyan addressed the recent disputes concerning fish landing points in the Krishna-Godavari region. He announced that fisherfolk from Antarvedi, Machilipatnam, and Nizampatnam have agreed to permit Uppada fishing boats to utilize their landing centers. This agreement comes with a crucial stipulation: Uppada boats must refrain from using ring nets, which are detrimental to marine species, thereby promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Furthermore, Mr. Kalyan concluded his address by announcing an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to each of the families of the 18 fishermen who tragically lost their lives at sea in Kakinada district over recent months, offering much-needed support.