CPM protests drinking water crisis in Konaseema

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: On Tuesday, CPM Party leaders and locals staged a dharna outside the Konaseema District Collector’s office, decrying the persistent drinking water shortage in Konaseema and pressing the Andhra Pradesh government for urgent action on multiple community grievances.

Protest highlights water woes

CPM State Committee members Mantena Sitaram and Andra Malyadri labeled the drinking water crisis in Konaseema as “unfortunate” during the dharna held in front of the Konaseema District Collector’s office. Organized by the Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema District Committee alongside affected residents, the protest underscored the region’s struggles, spotlighted during the Praja Chaitanya Yatra led by CPM State Secretary Srinivasa Rao from March 25-28 across Amalapuram, Uppalaguptam, Allavaram, and Mummidivaram mandals.

Praja Chaitanya Yatra exposes local issues

The cycle yatra, traversing Amalapuram town and rural mandals, brought a slew of district-wide problems to light, from water scarcity to land disputes. CPM leaders vowed to escalate these concerns to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, seeking tangible solutions. The protest saw robust participation from district convener Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, committee members G Durga Prasad, N Balaram, K Krishnaveni, and leaders like Pitala Ramachandra Rao and Srirammurthy, alongside villagers.

Demands for land, jobs, and infrastructure

The CPM issued a comprehensive list of demands, including redistributing lakhs of coconut trees encroached by landlords to the poor, providing housing for all, and improving Jagananna colony layouts. They called for halting forced loan collections from Tidco house residents, ensuring 200 days of employment at Rs 600 daily for agricultural workers, and resolving fishing village issues with retaining walls in Bodasakurr and Pallipalem. Additional demands included basic amenities in Dalit villages, state-funded cemeteries, and removing liquor shops near villages.

Agricultural and environmental concerns

The party urged identity cards and Rs 50,000-per-acre loans for tenant farmers, alongside irrigation water for suburban farmers. They demanded an end to pollution by ONGC and oil companies, with village development funded through CSR initiatives. Kaarem highlighted the need to curb illegal aqua ponds, control water pollution, and establish a government-run medical college in Kamanagaruvu, alongside Rs. 50 lakh compensation and housing for displaced families.

Push for connectivity and industry

Infrastructure topped the agenda with calls for swift completion of the district’s railway line, a bridge over the Kotipalli-Mukteswaram port, and traffic management in Amalapuram via bridges at Erravantena, Idarapalli, and Nalla. The CPM also pressed for coconut-based industries and oil refineries to boost the local economy, urging the state to address these pressing issues promptly.