YSRC For Tikkavanipalem Fishermen

YSR Congress Party honorary president Y S Vijayamma, on Sunday, assured the fishermen of Tikkavanipalem, who were injured when CISF personnel resorted to a lathicharge at NTPC near Parawada, that she would raise their issue in the Assembly and seek justice for them since their livelihood was being affected due to the pollution caused by the Public Sector Unit there.

Addressing them, Vijayamma said that the YSR Congress would stand up for their cause and agitate against the government until the fishermen are provided jobs in NTPC.

She accused the government of being negligent towards farmers and fishermen. She also demanded that the NTPC take steps to prevent pollution since fishermen's livelihoods are being affected by the pollution.

Earlier, Vijayamma held discussions, with the NTPC officials, about providing jobs to the victims' children and re-settle their villages on the grounds of their dwindling catch because of hazardous waste being pumped into the sea.

The fishermen of the village have accused the NTPC of releasing hot water and polluted substances into the sea at the ash ponds constructed in Upputeru, which, they say, has threatened their livelihood.

Former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's daughter Sharmila also addressed the fishermen, and assured them that her party would fight for their cause.

It may be mentioned here that last week, 8 persons were injured when CISF personnel manning NTPC's seawater pump house at Tikkavanipalem (near Parawada) clashed with angry villagers who demanded jobs in the PSU as their livelihood was being affected by the pollution caused by the plant. (INN)