This Article is From Jul 23, 2010

Srikakulam power project: Locals cry foul

Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: It has become a do-or-die battle for villagers in the areas around Kakrapalli village in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh where East Coast Energy's thermal power project is coming up. They claim consent for setting up the project was manufactured by misleading the villagers.

"They said they will develop our village, educate children and give us jobs. We have been cheated," said Ananta Dushtavarjunum, Sarpanch, Vaddi Thanda.

The company has said about 700 jobs will be created by the setting up of the plant. Whereas more than 2500 inland fishing families say they are already feeling the effect of bunds being constructed as part of land-filling exercise in the swamp area.

"After the building of bunds, there is no fish and no food for us. Many have migrated," said Anant Dhananjay, from the fishermen community.

The state government says there is always a price to pay for development.

"Any state government will endeavour to promote the industry. In the given situation of power shortage, we welcome power projects coming up. Whether a particular place is suitable or not is not a concern of the state government,'' says V Vasant Kumar, in charge minister, Srikakulam.

Locals say despite their protest to the district administration, MP, MLAs, ministers, the project got environmental clearance because they believe powerful corporate and political lobbies have been at work to misrepresent and suppress facts and make the Environmental Impact Assessment a farce.
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