Non-fisherman residents of eight villages located in and around Krishnapatnam port staged a dharna before the tahsildar’s office in Muttukur on Monday, demanding release of package announced for them in the past. The demonstration was held under the auspices of the SC, BC and Minority United Forum (Ikya Vedika), formed to deal with the issue.

According to convener of the forum Muthyam Goud, revenue authorities had announced a package of Rs.43,000 for families affected because of the port at the instance of the local legislator. Government released Rs.19 crore towards the package and Rs.11 crore was spent to provide boats to fishermen.

In this backdrop, officials identified 10,000 families for the benefit and sought Rs.36 crore from government to distribute the package about seven months ago. The Ikya Vedika took out a rally and staged dharna before the tahsildar’ office on Monday, demanding release of the package immediately.

The leaders also expressed concern over pollution because of palm oil factories and thermal projects coming up in the region. The dharna went on till 1 pm and the demonstrators relented after tahsildar of Muttukur mandal Umadevi assured to take up the matter with authorities and address the issue within 10 days.