Tribal protest halts secret survey of hydro-power project: CPM demands immediate cease !!!
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu : Bureau Chief-South
Andhra Pradesh:- Local tribals on Thursday halted a secret survey conducted by a company for a hydropower project in the reserve forest areas of Devarapalli and Saria Falls. The confrontation between the tribals and the surveyors led to clashes. CPM district secretary D Venkanna and mandal secretary B T Dora warned that if the survey continues, they will launch a full-scale protest.
Risks to local villages
The construction of the hydropower plant poses serious threats to the surrounding villages. Half of the villages in Valabu Panchayat of Devarapalli Mandal, along with some villages in Anantgiri Mandal, and the ayakattu farmers of Cheedikada Mandal Konam project are at risk. The CPM leaders stressed that the project would endanger the livelihoods and homes of many locals.
Tribals misled
CPM leaders accused the company of deceiving the local tribals with promises of money in exchange for their consent to the survey. They urged the tribals not to be misled by these offers and criticized forest officials for turning a blind eye to the illegal activities.
Legal violations
The CPM highlighted that numerous laws, including the Gram Sabha PISA Act, Forest Rights Act 1/70, and requirements for tribal permission, must be adhered to before proceeding with such projects. They demanded transparency and accountability from forest officials regarding the permissions granted for the survey.
Call for criminal action
The CPM called for criminal action against those involved in the clandestine survey. They cited previous incidents in Chintalapudi Panchayat, where tribals openly opposed similar projects. The leaders warned that direct resistance would be necessary if the surveys do not cease immediately.
Environmental impact
The Bodderu River, crucial for the Konam project, is under threat from the proposed hydropower plant. If construction proceeds, thousands of acres of farmland belonging to Konam Ayakattu farmers would become wastelands, and tribal villages in the region would face evacuation. The CPM alleged that the ruling party supports company’s interests in the river.
Demand for legal action
The CPM demanded that those conducting the survey in secret be held accountable and that no permissions be granted for the hydropower plant in this area. They urged for legal action against the parties involved and called for the protection of the tribal and environmental interests.
