Responding to the fishermen’s agitation in Uppada, Kakinada district, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced that a committee will be formed with the Pollution Control Board, Industries, Fisheries, Revenue officials, and the Kakinada District Collector. He revealed that it has been decided to give a place to fishermen representatives and local leaders in this committee.
He said that the agitation of the Uppada fishermen, who are affected by the waste of chemical industries, is in his view and their problems are in his view. He said that along with solving the problems, this committee will also focus on improving livelihoods and creating infrastructure in coastal villages. He said that the compensation assessment will be discussed.
He assured that the committee will study the problems of the fishermen and prepare a report with implementable recommendations. Pawan stated that the government will take appropriate action based on that report. He said that he is currently unable to personally come and discuss directly with the fishermen due to the legislative sessions.
Pawan Kalyan clarified that discussions have been going on with the district and state level officials since Monday to resolve their problems. He explained that he has been ordered to consider each problem and find solutions. Pawan said that the problems that need to be resolved as soon as possible have already been identified.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that he has discussed with the officials the issues of payment of the insurance amount to be paid to the families of the 18 fishermen who died and payment of compensation for the boats damaged near the Uppada fishing harbor and has ordered them to take appropriate steps to this end.
He said that special attention should be paid to giving opportunities to fishermen to go hunting in Machilipatnam, Antarvedi and other areas. Pawan said that the problems of the Uppada fishermen will be brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and their welfare will be given priority. He said that after the assembly sessions are over, he will personally sit with the Uppada fishermen and discuss all the problems comprehensively.