The CPI (M) Jatha, which began its tour of coastal areas at Srikakulam on July 20, today reached Kothapalli and went round Konapapapet and Uppada Kothapalli mandals where thousands of fishermen families are displaced due to large scale acquisition of land for Kakinada Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The Jatha, titled as Matsyakarula Stitigatula Adhyayana Prachara Yathra (study tour of condition of fishermen living in coastal areas) has so far covered the shore areas in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam Districts.
Mr L Balakrishna, Secretary of State Fishermen’s Welfare Association who is heading the Jatha, told mediapersons at Kothapalli that the condition of fishermen in coastal villages, especially in Kakinada SEZ affected villages was pathetic as their tradition livelihood of fishing was adversely affected.
The industrial effluents had polluted the sea shore and marine fish wealth was getting diminished. The KSEZ management has failed to implement the relief and rehabilitation package and left the fishermen to their fate. It is time now to wage a relentless fight against the proposed coastal corridor, PCPIR and Kakinada SEZ, he said. The CPM along with other Left parties would fight for the cause of fishermen and other affected sections, he added. UNI