2 MLAs, Sr, Say OECs Damaging Environment, Livelihood

Kakinada: Malladi Krishna Rao, special representative (SR) of the Puducherry government in New Delhi and AP MLAs Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao (Kakinada) and Ayithabathula Ananda Rao (Amalapuram) have accused oil exploration companies (OECs), including Reliance and ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) operating in Krishna-Godavari Basin, both onshore and offshore, of damaging the environment and affecting the livelihood of fishermen as well as other sections of the society.

They singled out Reliance, pointing out that due to non-dredging of the coast, many of the creeks and canals have become clogged. As a result, fisherfolk are unable to go on the fish hunt.

Krishna Rao, Venkateswara Rao and Ananda Rao submitted representations to district collectors S. Shan Mohan (Kakinada) and R. Mahesh Kumar (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema), asking them to protect the environment and provide livelihood and compensation not only to the fishing community but also other sections that have been affected in the region.

Krishna Rao told Deccan Chronicle that when gas recently leaked at an ONGC site near the Yanam coast, mangroves in the area got severely damaged and people in the surrounding villages panicked. He pointed out that oil spread on the sea near Bhairavapalem, Gadimoga and other villages, putting fishermen and others to hardships.

Further, due to the Reliance jetty near Bhairavapalem Moga, the depth has increased from 3 metres to 18 metres. Many of the creeks have got clogged due to lack of dredging.

The Puducherry special representative demanded that departments concerned estimate the damage caused by ONGC, Reliance and other oil explorers. Central and state governments should take steps for providing compensation to fishermen within a radius of 30 kilometres from the oil spill, apart from spending their 2 per cent profits on CSR activities.

He said funds that Reliance is giving under “Protsaham” scheme to educate the fishermen children must be extended to students of all sections, who score 60 per cent of marks.

Krishna Rao said oil companies must fund health insurance of Rs 5 lakh for fishermen and other sections of people, while paying Rs 10 lakh on death.