Prohibitory orders in force for 2 months in Kona area

​Kakinada: The Kona area in Thondangi mandal of Tuni constituency in East Godavari district has been under Section 144 (Prohibitory orders) for the last two months following a political row over Divis Laboratories setting up its industry. The Opposition, including the Left parties, shepherds, fishermen and farm labourers are opposing the unit, which the government is encouraging as part of its industrial policy.

The area, which till recently was known for its peaceful atmosphere, has suddenly become tense with representatives of about 200 shrimp hatcheries entering the fray also opposing the big industrial unit, fearing that it would lead to their closure. Local residents are both surprised and scared by the police action in prohibiting gathering of five or more persons.

The Divis Lab has secured 505 acres, including patta lands in Pampadripeta and its adjoining areas, from the government for setting up its factory in Thondangi, of the 2,000 acquired by the APIIC for setting up industries. It paid to the government Rs.3 lakh each per acre in 2008. The firm is to pay to farmers Rs.2 lakh more for each acre. This has given rise to the row, as ryots contend that when the price in the Kakinada SEZ is Rs.50 lakh why they should be paid only Rs.5 lakh.

Hence they are opposing it, saying that they would not allow a polluting industry to come up in their area. They are obstructing work of the industry, setting fire to huts and assaulting the staff. Tuni MLA Dadisetti Raja is supporting the farmers. The police made arrests after a lathi-charge leading to the situation turning extremely tense.

When some farmers approached court it ruled in favour of the government. Ryots whose 250 acres were among the lands taken over agreed to the price of Rs.2 lakh per acre. With the row taking a political turn, they are agitating with the hope of securing a higher price from Divis Lab. Residents of Danavayipet panchayat and its surrounding area are agitating contending that the industry would harm the environment, affecting air, water and land posing a threat to the people of the coastal area. People of Pampadipeta, Kothapakala, Thatiyakulapalem villages that are against the industry say that they don’t want to give their land, with the support extended by the MLA. His backing has led to the situation becoming tense.

Cases have been registered against 24 villagers besides the legislator, who is listed as A1. A police picket has been posted at the site. None barring the industry workers are being allowed. After the CPM got involved in the row, a section of the party is demanding employment to local workers, with the hope that they would be better off. This stand is being supported by the industry, which denied that it would cause pollution, as the PCB norms are being followed.

Saplings are to be planted in 200 acres. Sudhakar, administrative head of Divis Labs, told The Hans India that it would provide direct employment to 4,000 persons. He alleged that some persons are resorting to deliberate disinformation campaign against it and that the construction is being done as per court orders. MLA of Pithapuram Varma supported the government terming it as an opportunity for mass employment and industrial development in the region. But Dadisetti Raja, MLA of Tuni and K Kannababu, district president of YSRCP are strongly criticised the attitude of the development.

On the other hand, L Satyanarayana, president of India shrimp hatcheries association made it clear that they continue their stir for the existence of the hatcheries. Incidentally, the region falls under the constituency of state’s finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu. Despite the stiff resistance from the opposition and the local people, government is firm on its stand to go ahead.

By Adapa Apparao