Rajendra Singh expresses concern over marine pollution caused by industries in Visakhapatnam and in Vizianagaram districts

Rajendra Singh expresses concern over marine pollution caused by industries near coastal areas, impacting fishermen's livelihood and health.

Waterman of India Rajendra Singh has expressed serious concern at the marine pollution caused by pharma and other industries, set up close to coastal areas, which were releasing untreated or improperly treated wastes into the sea off Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts.

Mr. Rajendra Singh along with environmental activist and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader Bolisetty Satyanarayana and fishermen leaders visited fishermen villages in Payakaraopeta, Yelamanchili, Anakapalli, Bhimili and Visakhapatnam East constituencies on Thursday.

He interacted with the fishermen in their native villagers and enquired about their problems. The fishermen told the team members that they lost their livelihood as pollution of the marine waters was resulting in depletion of fish resources, and they were unable to catch fish near their villages any more. A number of fishermen were migrating to other parts of the State as also to other States in search of livelihood.

P. Adinarayana, a fishermen leader, said that the elected representatives and government officials should hold talks with the fishermen community and find solutions to their problems. The local MLA, who is also the Home Minister, should ensure compliance of norms by the industries.

Mr. Rajendra Singh said that during their tour of the coastal areas on Thursday, the common thing was that they found dead turtles and abandoned boats on the beaches. The contaminated groundwater and polluted air were affecting the health of the fisherfolk. He said that governments were more interested in corporate companies, and unless the affected people raised their voice nothing would happen.

He expressed hope that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who also holds the environment portfolio, would do justice to the fishermen as he was committed to prevent pollution.

Mr. Bolisetty Satyanarayana said that he has sent the field information to the APPCB officials for necessary remedial measures within one month, failing which he would stage a sit-in protest to draw the attention of the government, till the issues is resolved.