The state government’s decision to privatise Bhav-ani island in Vijayawada drew criticism from several sections.

The residents of Vijaya-wada are expressing concern over pollution of river water, which is a drinking source, once the island is commercialised after privatisation. A resident of Satyanarayanapuram, Mr K. Venkateswara Rao, said that the Bhavani island is a natural gift to the residents of Vijayawada. If commercial activity increases in the island, definitely there would be water pollution.

AP Pollution Control Board environmental engineer Mr S. Venkateswarlu said that environment should be protected on the Bhavani island at any cost. He said necessary precautions should be taken to prevent pollution of river water and environment.

An employee of Hyder-abad, Mr T.V. Prasada Rao, who visited the island along with his two kids, said that now it is affordable. If it is privatised, it would be out of the reach of common man. He said that the Tourism Development Corporation itself could develop gardens instead of privatising the island.

Meanwhile, Telugu Desam leaders led by party district president Mr Devi-neni Umamaheswara Rao and urban president Mr V. Vamsimohan staged rasta roko on the National High-way and courted arrest in protest against the government’s move to privatise the Bhavani island.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA said that the state government and the Cong-ress are privatising the Bhavani island while the tourism department is getting a profit of ` 50 lakh per annum.

He said TD founder and former chief minister N.T. Rama Rao laid foundation for sports recreation complex at the island to develop it as a tourism resort. The TD MLA said that the Chief Minister Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and minister for tourism Mr Vatti Vasantakumar have no right to privatise the public property.

He warned that the TD would stall the coming Assembly session and go for legal fight on the issue.