Srikakulam: Joint Collector Sumit Mishra vows to ensure transparency in construction

Srikakulam: The proposed sea port at Bhavanapadu village will be constructed only with the consent of the people of villages to be affected, said Joint Collector Sumit Mishra and District Revenue Officer (DRO) B Dayanidhi here on Thursday.

The officials were holding a meeting on Bhavanapadu sea port with the elders of the villages to be affected when the port is built, at the District Collectorate here.

Speaking on the occasion, the Joint Collector explained that consent of the villagers is a precondition for the construction of sea port. Elders from villages of Devunalthada, Bhavanapadu, Marripadu and other villages under Santhabommali and Vajrapukotturu mandals attended the meeting.

The Joint Collector explained that a fresh survey would be conducted on the extent of lands required. The villages and mandal level Revenue officials and staff would take part in the survey. The entire process relating to port construction would be kept in a form of documentation and it is open for all. He promised to ensure transparency in the process. He assured that farmers that reasonable compensation to fishermen, who will be affected, will be paid. He also said mistakes would be rectified.

The fishermen expressed their opinion on the proposed port.

"We need employment for our children in addition to compensation, they said. They urged the officials to conduct a fresh survey. K Chinnayya, a fisherman elder of Bhavanapadu village, explained to the officials that the government did not follow the procedure in the past and failed to hold public hearing regarding land acquisition for port construction. J Dasaradha Rao and K Mohan, farmers of Bhavanapadu and Marripadu villages also spoke.