By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam , Oct. 13: The Information Technology revolution has brought many blessings and one major curse—burgeoning e-waste. Electronic devices such as computers, servers, mainframes, monitors, TVs and telecommunication devices are dumped by most users once they go out of fashion. The piling up of e-waste has become alarming in India too.
The country generates about 1.5 lakh tonnes of e-waste annually and almost all of it finds its way into the informal sector, as there is no organised system to dispose of it. Metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, which have a large IT sector, are at higher risk of environmental pollution from e-waste.
According to the study conducted by the NGO, Toxic Link, Mumbai faces grave health and environmental risks because of the dumping of 19,000 tonnes of e-waste. Similarly, a study by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute of Kolkata found that people in Delhi are about twice as likely to suffer from lung ailments because of the presence of high amount of e-waste. Bangalore generates 15,000 tonnes of e-waste every month.
But the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has put it at 10,000 tonnes a month. Many components of obsolete electronic equipment are considered toxic and are not biodegradable. If treated properly, e-waste is a valuable source for secondary raw materials. However, if not treated properly, it becomes a major source of toxins and carcinogens.
Hazardous substances found in e-waste include lead, cadmium, chromium and flame-retardant plastics. Inhaling or handling such substances or being in contact with them on a regular basis can damage the brain, nervous system, lungs, kidneys and the reproductive system. "It is estimated that around two million obsolete computers are dumped by government offices, business houses, industries and households," says Prof Srinivas of Gitam University. "Manufacturers also produce around 1,200 tonnes of electronic scrap."
Personal computers get obsolete once in two years and consumers think it convenient to buy a new computer rather than upgrade the old one. Because of the lack of rules on treatment of e-waste, these PCs mostly end up in landfills or are partly recycled in unhygienic conditions or thrown into waste streams. A study conducted by Gitam University students found that huge quantities of PC scrap is exported by foreign countries in the form of reusable components. This is estimated to touch 50,000 tonnes a year.
"e-waste is a rapidly growing environmental problem in the world and India," said Prof Srinivas. "India has to handle not only waste generated domestically but also e-waste which is dumped by developed countries." Environmental organisations have warned that India would have to handle about eight lakh tonnes of e-waste by 2012, unless it wakes up and devises concrete ways to tackle the menace.
Students show the right way
A project to tackle e-waste conceived by students of Gitam University gained applause at the Students in Free Enterprise’s (SIEF) meet which was held recently at Mumbai. SIEF has a presence in more than 40 countries across the globe and its approval has inspired the students. “India’s lack of safe e-waste-disposal mechanism is growing to a crisis situation,” says Satyanarayana, a B-Tech student of Gitam University. “There is an urgent need to deal with e-waste, which is posing a major threat to environment and public heath.” The project planned by the students focuses on educating the general population. Meanwhile, a local steel unit, Vizag Profiles, has signed a MoU with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development of Gitam University to start an e-waste-recycling unit.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Hearing unites opposition parties
By SNV Sudhir
Chintapalli (Vizag Agency), Oct 3: The public hearing on the environmental aspects of bauxite mining held here on Friday, proved too costly to the state government as it gave an opportunity to all the opposition parties and NGOs to come on to a single platform. Until now opposition parties were conducting their protest programmes individually. But immediately after coming out of the venue of the public hearing they all held a ‘Praja Court’ and vowed to stop the mining process collectively. They also passed two resolutions on the spot one demanding the state government to declare the just held public hearing null and void and to cancel the two MoUs signed by the state government with Jindals and Anrak. All the parties are eying the Vizag Agency areas as Araku will have one assembly and one parliamentary seat besides already existing Paderu assembly seat after the de limitation process. All the parties were trying to gain hold on the Agency areas and the bauxite mining issue came in handy for them.
CPM’s Bhadhrachalam MP Midiam Babu Rao, who is also the member of the parliament consultative committee on environment and forests, said that he would take up the issue of the way public hearing was held with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). CPM district secretary Ch Narasinga Rao said that they would send their observations with the video clippings about the public hearing to the Supreme Court Enforcement Authority.
“Police created a sort of fear among the public about the hearing. Many of them did not attend it. And who all came to attend the public hearing unanimously opposed the mining and boycotted the meeting. Hereafter we all irrespective of the political party we belong work together to oppose mining,” said CPI district secretary, JV Satyanaryana Murthy. TD district unit president Bandaru Satyanrayana Murthy said that their party when they were in power dropped the idea of mining bauxite after the stiff opposition from the local tribals giving importance to their sentiments. He said that the present Congress government was not at all in a position to listen to the woes of the tribals and going ahead with the project. Srinivas, belonging to Samata, an NGO which was opposing the bauxite mining, said that the apart from the tribals throwed out of their homes mining would also have an adverse impact upon the surrounding environment and water resources. All party leaders later held a huge public meeting in the town.
Chintapalli (Vizag Agency), Oct 3: The public hearing on the environmental aspects of bauxite mining held here on Friday, proved too costly to the state government as it gave an opportunity to all the opposition parties and NGOs to come on to a single platform. Until now opposition parties were conducting their protest programmes individually. But immediately after coming out of the venue of the public hearing they all held a ‘Praja Court’ and vowed to stop the mining process collectively. They also passed two resolutions on the spot one demanding the state government to declare the just held public hearing null and void and to cancel the two MoUs signed by the state government with Jindals and Anrak. All the parties are eying the Vizag Agency areas as Araku will have one assembly and one parliamentary seat besides already existing Paderu assembly seat after the de limitation process. All the parties were trying to gain hold on the Agency areas and the bauxite mining issue came in handy for them.
CPM’s Bhadhrachalam MP Midiam Babu Rao, who is also the member of the parliament consultative committee on environment and forests, said that he would take up the issue of the way public hearing was held with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). CPM district secretary Ch Narasinga Rao said that they would send their observations with the video clippings about the public hearing to the Supreme Court Enforcement Authority.
“Police created a sort of fear among the public about the hearing. Many of them did not attend it. And who all came to attend the public hearing unanimously opposed the mining and boycotted the meeting. Hereafter we all irrespective of the political party we belong work together to oppose mining,” said CPI district secretary, JV Satyanaryana Murthy. TD district unit president Bandaru Satyanrayana Murthy said that their party when they were in power dropped the idea of mining bauxite after the stiff opposition from the local tribals giving importance to their sentiments. He said that the present Congress government was not at all in a position to listen to the woes of the tribals and going ahead with the project. Srinivas, belonging to Samata, an NGO which was opposing the bauxite mining, said that the apart from the tribals throwed out of their homes mining would also have an adverse impact upon the surrounding environment and water resources. All party leaders later held a huge public meeting in the town.
Tribals boycott public hearing on Bauxite mining
By SNV Sudhir
Chintapalli (Vizag Agency), Oct 3: Tribals gave an unexpected jolt to the State by boycotting the public hearing held on Bauxite mining here on Friday. It was also shock to the police who laid a seize to the entire agency area and banned the vehicle movement days in advance, riding the Maoist threat.
The confused officials had to go ahead with their programme without a single person to hear them. The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) intended to hold the public hearing on the environmental aspects of the proposed bauxite mining by the State owned Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) in four blocks of Jerella reserve forest area, coming under GK Veedhi Agency mandal. The bauxite mined by the APMDC would be supplied to Anrak aluminum, a UAE based firm which would setup its alumina refinery at Makavarapalem in Narsipatnam division. The state government earlier entered into a MoU with the Anrak in this regard.
In a highly guarded affair, the officials of APMDC and APPCB started the hearing process amidst slogans from the tribals drawn from the surrounding villages. However tribals from the actual mining effected villages, which are 40kms away from the hearing site, didn’t attend as the police suspended passenger bus services to those villages. It is learnt that the villagers who were feared of heavy deployment of armed police preferred to stay indoors. And some of them who came all the way on foot from those villages boycotted the hearing and aired slogans against the mining.
The hearing process started half an hour late due to the protests and slogans raised by the tribals asking the authorities to withdraw their decision to mine bauxite in Agency areas, which would render thousands of them shelter less and other environmental related problems. Officials were not given any chance to begin the hearing. Later after half an hour the APPCB environmental engineer Satyanrayana Murthy began the procedure. The APMDC MD, Rajagopal tried to explain the advantages of the mining. But there were no audience to listen to him except few scribes. All the tribals who entered the premises left without showing any interest in the MD’s speech. Interestingly the APMDC and APPCB officials went on explaining about mining addressing an empty ground. Tribals said that they were not interested in taking part in the public hearing, as none of them wanted it. Terming the mining as demon, tribals said that they were also ready to face death to stop the mining process. APPCB EE, Murthy said that they have received around 1,571 written representations of which 1,500 belonged to various tribal associations, MLAs, political parties, NGOs. He said they would send the representations, minutes of the public hearing, series of incidents occurred to the ministry of environment and forests for the permission to mine bauxite.
“We would send the minutes and actual incidents happened here to the MoEF,” said the district joint collector, M Veerabrahmaiah who chaired the meeting. Bhadhrachalam MP, Midiam Babu Rao, CPI and CPM district secretaries, JV Satyanrayana Murthy, Ch Narasinga Rao, TD rural unit president and its MLA, Bandaru Satyanrayan Murthy, Chengala Venkat Rao and G Srinivas of Samata led the tribals.
Chintapalli (Vizag Agency), Oct 3: Tribals gave an unexpected jolt to the State by boycotting the public hearing held on Bauxite mining here on Friday. It was also shock to the police who laid a seize to the entire agency area and banned the vehicle movement days in advance, riding the Maoist threat.
The confused officials had to go ahead with their programme without a single person to hear them. The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) intended to hold the public hearing on the environmental aspects of the proposed bauxite mining by the State owned Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) in four blocks of Jerella reserve forest area, coming under GK Veedhi Agency mandal. The bauxite mined by the APMDC would be supplied to Anrak aluminum, a UAE based firm which would setup its alumina refinery at Makavarapalem in Narsipatnam division. The state government earlier entered into a MoU with the Anrak in this regard.
In a highly guarded affair, the officials of APMDC and APPCB started the hearing process amidst slogans from the tribals drawn from the surrounding villages. However tribals from the actual mining effected villages, which are 40kms away from the hearing site, didn’t attend as the police suspended passenger bus services to those villages. It is learnt that the villagers who were feared of heavy deployment of armed police preferred to stay indoors. And some of them who came all the way on foot from those villages boycotted the hearing and aired slogans against the mining.
The hearing process started half an hour late due to the protests and slogans raised by the tribals asking the authorities to withdraw their decision to mine bauxite in Agency areas, which would render thousands of them shelter less and other environmental related problems. Officials were not given any chance to begin the hearing. Later after half an hour the APPCB environmental engineer Satyanrayana Murthy began the procedure. The APMDC MD, Rajagopal tried to explain the advantages of the mining. But there were no audience to listen to him except few scribes. All the tribals who entered the premises left without showing any interest in the MD’s speech. Interestingly the APMDC and APPCB officials went on explaining about mining addressing an empty ground. Tribals said that they were not interested in taking part in the public hearing, as none of them wanted it. Terming the mining as demon, tribals said that they were also ready to face death to stop the mining process. APPCB EE, Murthy said that they have received around 1,571 written representations of which 1,500 belonged to various tribal associations, MLAs, political parties, NGOs. He said they would send the representations, minutes of the public hearing, series of incidents occurred to the ministry of environment and forests for the permission to mine bauxite.
“We would send the minutes and actual incidents happened here to the MoEF,” said the district joint collector, M Veerabrahmaiah who chaired the meeting. Bhadhrachalam MP, Midiam Babu Rao, CPI and CPM district secretaries, JV Satyanrayana Murthy, Ch Narasinga Rao, TD rural unit president and its MLA, Bandaru Satyanrayan Murthy, Chengala Venkat Rao and G Srinivas of Samata led the tribals.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Mining minefield
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 22: More than 30 years after they were first discovered, the rich bauxite deposits in Vizag Agency tracts continue to cause controversy. Though the previous Telugu Desam government signed two MoUs for mining bauxite, they did not take off. However, the Congress government is going ahead with its plans to mine bauxite despite opposition from tribals, NGOs, rights organisations, Opposition political parties and Maoists.
On July 1, 2005, the then government signed a MoU with Jindal South West (JSW) of the Jindal Group and in February 14, 2007, a second MoU was signed with the Government of Ras al-Khaima of the United Arab Emirates. According to the MoUs, bauxite would be mined from the agency areas by the government-owned Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC), which would sell it to the alumina refinery established by the private industries. This alumina will then be converted to aluminium.
JSW will set up its alumina smelter (purifying raw bauxite plant) in S Kota in the neighbouring Viziangaram district and RAK at Makavarapalem coming under Vizag district. The union environment ministry cleared two mining projects in October and December 2007, and a third one is in the pipeline. The Eastern Ghats are a storehouse of bauxite, with 564.33 million tonnes of deposits in Visakhapatnam district alone.
NGOs and activists contend that the bauxite mining would not only render thousands of tribals homeless, and ruin thousands of acres of coffee plantations, but will also damage the environment. The area is also home to tribal populations belonging to Bhagata, Khond, Konda Reddi, Samantha and other communities. The Constitution of India has provided special provisions for their protection in its Fifth Schedule.
A Supreme Court verdict given in the Samata case also helped activists to stall the project. The SC said that tribal land could be leased out only to government agencies, public sector companies or tribal societies and not to private companies.
"It is to circumvent this that the government has cleverly decided to bring APMDC into the picture," said Mr Ravi Rebbapragada of Samata, an NGO fighting against the mining proposal. "The government has not bothered to consult the tribals." It is being alleged that the public hearings being conducted by the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) for setting up the alumina refineries are being stage managed since those who oppose the project are not being given any chance to speak.
However, the tribals still have hope of stalling the project since the mining area has to be selected by the local Adivasi Grama Sabhas as per the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) ACT, 1996 (Pesa Act). Mr Rebbapragada pointed out that bauxite mining in nearby Orissa had left a trail of destruction. "It changes the entire ecology of the region," he said. "The water table would be affected and flora and fauna would disappear."
The mining areas of Galikonda and Chittiam Konda are home to the rare and endangered bird Athera Blewitti. In fact, there are many rare birds in the stretch from Sileru to Lammasingi and Paderu and Araku. Angry tribals have vowed to resist the project at all costs.
"I will not hesitate to use my bows and arrows," warned Mr Killo Surendra, an MPTC of Araku. Recently tribals in Araku roughed up a manager of Jindal South West Ltd who came to their areas to run a campaign in favour of bauxite mining. Authorities are now readying for a crucial public hearing by the AP Pollution Control Board at Chintapalli on October 3. Tribals in the area are strongly opposed to mining.
"They have deployed Greyhound squads to create fear among tribals but we are spreading awareness among people about the ill effects of mining," said the CPI district secretary, Mr J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy. "We will mobilise the maximum number of tribals to attend the hearing.
Maoists afraid of proposal
Visakhapatnam,, Sept. 22: The outlawed Maoists are bitterly opposed to the government plans to mine bauxite not just because of their concern for tribals but also because it would expose their hideouts. They fear that the mining activity would threaten their strongholds which come under the strategic Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee. The AOB tracts are known to be shelter zones of the extremists and are turning into action zones as well.
These tracts are also used as an escape route by many Maoists to move from one state to the other through the thick forest cover. Availability of water bodies in abundance also helps Maoists hide in the Vizag Agency and the thick forest cover makes combing operations difficult for the police. Maoists have now started organising meetings in the open with the tribals, goading them to fight against the mining proposal.
The extremist leaders have exhorted tribals to even physically fight the authorities to prevent the mining operations and warned of dire action against those who support it. These meetings gain importance because of the public hearing planned by the AP Pollution Control Board in Chintapalle on October 3.
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 22: More than 30 years after they were first discovered, the rich bauxite deposits in Vizag Agency tracts continue to cause controversy. Though the previous Telugu Desam government signed two MoUs for mining bauxite, they did not take off. However, the Congress government is going ahead with its plans to mine bauxite despite opposition from tribals, NGOs, rights organisations, Opposition political parties and Maoists.
On July 1, 2005, the then government signed a MoU with Jindal South West (JSW) of the Jindal Group and in February 14, 2007, a second MoU was signed with the Government of Ras al-Khaima of the United Arab Emirates. According to the MoUs, bauxite would be mined from the agency areas by the government-owned Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC), which would sell it to the alumina refinery established by the private industries. This alumina will then be converted to aluminium.
JSW will set up its alumina smelter (purifying raw bauxite plant) in S Kota in the neighbouring Viziangaram district and RAK at Makavarapalem coming under Vizag district. The union environment ministry cleared two mining projects in October and December 2007, and a third one is in the pipeline. The Eastern Ghats are a storehouse of bauxite, with 564.33 million tonnes of deposits in Visakhapatnam district alone.
NGOs and activists contend that the bauxite mining would not only render thousands of tribals homeless, and ruin thousands of acres of coffee plantations, but will also damage the environment. The area is also home to tribal populations belonging to Bhagata, Khond, Konda Reddi, Samantha and other communities. The Constitution of India has provided special provisions for their protection in its Fifth Schedule.
A Supreme Court verdict given in the Samata case also helped activists to stall the project. The SC said that tribal land could be leased out only to government agencies, public sector companies or tribal societies and not to private companies.
"It is to circumvent this that the government has cleverly decided to bring APMDC into the picture," said Mr Ravi Rebbapragada of Samata, an NGO fighting against the mining proposal. "The government has not bothered to consult the tribals." It is being alleged that the public hearings being conducted by the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) for setting up the alumina refineries are being stage managed since those who oppose the project are not being given any chance to speak.
However, the tribals still have hope of stalling the project since the mining area has to be selected by the local Adivasi Grama Sabhas as per the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) ACT, 1996 (Pesa Act). Mr Rebbapragada pointed out that bauxite mining in nearby Orissa had left a trail of destruction. "It changes the entire ecology of the region," he said. "The water table would be affected and flora and fauna would disappear."
The mining areas of Galikonda and Chittiam Konda are home to the rare and endangered bird Athera Blewitti. In fact, there are many rare birds in the stretch from Sileru to Lammasingi and Paderu and Araku. Angry tribals have vowed to resist the project at all costs.
"I will not hesitate to use my bows and arrows," warned Mr Killo Surendra, an MPTC of Araku. Recently tribals in Araku roughed up a manager of Jindal South West Ltd who came to their areas to run a campaign in favour of bauxite mining. Authorities are now readying for a crucial public hearing by the AP Pollution Control Board at Chintapalli on October 3. Tribals in the area are strongly opposed to mining.
"They have deployed Greyhound squads to create fear among tribals but we are spreading awareness among people about the ill effects of mining," said the CPI district secretary, Mr J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy. "We will mobilise the maximum number of tribals to attend the hearing.
Maoists afraid of proposal
Visakhapatnam,, Sept. 22: The outlawed Maoists are bitterly opposed to the government plans to mine bauxite not just because of their concern for tribals but also because it would expose their hideouts. They fear that the mining activity would threaten their strongholds which come under the strategic Andhra Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee. The AOB tracts are known to be shelter zones of the extremists and are turning into action zones as well.
These tracts are also used as an escape route by many Maoists to move from one state to the other through the thick forest cover. Availability of water bodies in abundance also helps Maoists hide in the Vizag Agency and the thick forest cover makes combing operations difficult for the police. Maoists have now started organising meetings in the open with the tribals, goading them to fight against the mining proposal.
The extremist leaders have exhorted tribals to even physically fight the authorities to prevent the mining operations and warned of dire action against those who support it. These meetings gain importance because of the public hearing planned by the AP Pollution Control Board in Chintapalle on October 3.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Fishy tale: Vizag’s Tuna in foreign net
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 13: More and more Sri Lankan fishermen are entering Indian waters to catch tuna fish which is much in demand in European countries as well as the United States and Japan. The fishermen are catching tuna illegally from the Exclusive Economic Zone of India in violation of Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of fishing by foreign vessels) Act of 1981.
Under international provisions, India can lay claim to 200 nautical miles of EEZ with 2.02 million square kms of area. Around 3.9 million tonnes of fish is available in the zone, of which 2.5 lakh tonnes is tuna alone. This tuna has proved to be too much of a temptation for Sri Lankan fishermen. In less than a week, the Indian Coast Guard has captured 20 Sri Lankan fishermen who were illegally fishing in the EEZ and seized the four vessels in which they were travelling.
On August 29, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sagar patrolling the EEZ found two fishing boats about 42 nautical miles southeast of Vizag harbour. The Sri Lankan fishing boats Chamari Duma with five crew members and Sumundra Dev Mata with six were fishing without any licenses or permits.
In another incident on September 1, nine Sri Lankan fishermen were apprehended by the Coast Guard while they were fishing in Indian waters 99 nautical miles southeast of Vizag. "They were Sri Lankan boats, Sant Odalya with five crew members and Malki Duwa with four crew members," said the Coast Guard deputy commandant, Ms Lalima Sharma.
The Coast Guard also seized 1,800 kg of tuna which was in the possession of the fishermen. They were later handed over to the local harbour police, who booked cases against them under sections 3 and 7 of the MZI Act.
Sri Lankan fishermen often enter the Indian territorial waters on Chennai side but this is the first time they have entered waters off Vizag. The City Police Commissioner, Mr Nanduri Sambasiva Rao, said authorities were looking at ways to release the fishermen. "Already an attaché from the Sri Lankan embassy has come to us," he further added.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Security), Mr P. Viswa Prasad, said that the Sri Lankans entered the EEZ only to catch tuna. "There is no sabotage involved," he said. "They just wanted to catch tuna which is in high demand in foreign countries."
Mechanised and motorised craft of India are permitted to operate under licences issued under the Marine Fishing Regulation Act. Each category of fishing boat is given a separate licence for purse-seining, gillnetting, dolnet fishing, hook-and-line fishing and trawling. The zone in which traditional craft conduct fishing is also protected through legislation.
The number of Sri Lankan vessels engaged in tuna fishing has doubled after the increase in demand for the fish in European and US markets. "We have requested the Coast Guard to check such illegal fishing," said Mr Appa Rao, president of the Mechanised Fishing Boat Operators Association. "It would be a huge loss for us if the Sri Lankans net our marine resources," he added.
A big catch
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 13: The depletion in the stocks of shrimp in the Bay of Bengal has forced local traders too to focus on tuna. Around 70 country boats fish tuna in the waters between Vizag and Kakinada and each boat gets a catch of at least 100 to 200 kg in a single voyage. And half of the catch of the local fishermen is purchased by four traders who export them to Japan and the United States from Chennai port. A kilogram of tuna is sold at Rs 60 in local markets and for about five dollars in international markets in Japan and US.
Some mechanised boats have also been converted into tuna liners to catch the fish. Local traders could export tuna worth Rs 129 crore from Vizag last year. The Marine Products Export Development Authority has set en export target of Rs 200 crore this year. MPEDA is also providing subsidy of around Rs 35 lakh per vessel for it to be converted to a tuna liner.
Factfile
* More Sri Lankan vessels enter Indian waters to catch tuna.
* The number of such vessels has doubled recently because of the high demand for tuna in Europe, the United States and Japan.
* Coast Guard has seized many vessels and arrested the fishermen.
* More than 2.5 lakh tonnes of tuna fish is available in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 13: More and more Sri Lankan fishermen are entering Indian waters to catch tuna fish which is much in demand in European countries as well as the United States and Japan. The fishermen are catching tuna illegally from the Exclusive Economic Zone of India in violation of Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of fishing by foreign vessels) Act of 1981.
Under international provisions, India can lay claim to 200 nautical miles of EEZ with 2.02 million square kms of area. Around 3.9 million tonnes of fish is available in the zone, of which 2.5 lakh tonnes is tuna alone. This tuna has proved to be too much of a temptation for Sri Lankan fishermen. In less than a week, the Indian Coast Guard has captured 20 Sri Lankan fishermen who were illegally fishing in the EEZ and seized the four vessels in which they were travelling.
On August 29, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sagar patrolling the EEZ found two fishing boats about 42 nautical miles southeast of Vizag harbour. The Sri Lankan fishing boats Chamari Duma with five crew members and Sumundra Dev Mata with six were fishing without any licenses or permits.
In another incident on September 1, nine Sri Lankan fishermen were apprehended by the Coast Guard while they were fishing in Indian waters 99 nautical miles southeast of Vizag. "They were Sri Lankan boats, Sant Odalya with five crew members and Malki Duwa with four crew members," said the Coast Guard deputy commandant, Ms Lalima Sharma.
The Coast Guard also seized 1,800 kg of tuna which was in the possession of the fishermen. They were later handed over to the local harbour police, who booked cases against them under sections 3 and 7 of the MZI Act.
Sri Lankan fishermen often enter the Indian territorial waters on Chennai side but this is the first time they have entered waters off Vizag. The City Police Commissioner, Mr Nanduri Sambasiva Rao, said authorities were looking at ways to release the fishermen. "Already an attaché from the Sri Lankan embassy has come to us," he further added.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Security), Mr P. Viswa Prasad, said that the Sri Lankans entered the EEZ only to catch tuna. "There is no sabotage involved," he said. "They just wanted to catch tuna which is in high demand in foreign countries."
Mechanised and motorised craft of India are permitted to operate under licences issued under the Marine Fishing Regulation Act. Each category of fishing boat is given a separate licence for purse-seining, gillnetting, dolnet fishing, hook-and-line fishing and trawling. The zone in which traditional craft conduct fishing is also protected through legislation.
The number of Sri Lankan vessels engaged in tuna fishing has doubled after the increase in demand for the fish in European and US markets. "We have requested the Coast Guard to check such illegal fishing," said Mr Appa Rao, president of the Mechanised Fishing Boat Operators Association. "It would be a huge loss for us if the Sri Lankans net our marine resources," he added.
A big catch
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 13: The depletion in the stocks of shrimp in the Bay of Bengal has forced local traders too to focus on tuna. Around 70 country boats fish tuna in the waters between Vizag and Kakinada and each boat gets a catch of at least 100 to 200 kg in a single voyage. And half of the catch of the local fishermen is purchased by four traders who export them to Japan and the United States from Chennai port. A kilogram of tuna is sold at Rs 60 in local markets and for about five dollars in international markets in Japan and US.
Some mechanised boats have also been converted into tuna liners to catch the fish. Local traders could export tuna worth Rs 129 crore from Vizag last year. The Marine Products Export Development Authority has set en export target of Rs 200 crore this year. MPEDA is also providing subsidy of around Rs 35 lakh per vessel for it to be converted to a tuna liner.
Factfile
* More Sri Lankan vessels enter Indian waters to catch tuna.
* The number of such vessels has doubled recently because of the high demand for tuna in Europe, the United States and Japan.
* Coast Guard has seized many vessels and arrested the fishermen.
* More than 2.5 lakh tonnes of tuna fish is available in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Maoists stir up a Nandigram in Vizag
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sep 11: Vizag Agency might turn another Nandigram where
the outlawed Maoists suspected to be behind the agitation launched against
SEZs. More than 30 were killed in the clashes between the police and
agitating tribals supported by Maoists in Nandigram. The same situation
might arise in Vizag Agency areas. Hitherto pledging their support to the
anti bauxite mining agitation launched by tribals through posters and
pamphlets the ultras took a giant step. Throwing a challenge to the
greyhounds and police the Maoists started organizing meetings in open with
the tribals. They are instigating the local tribals to fight against the
authorities if needed. The meetings by the Maoists gained importance in
view of the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) going to hold a public
hearing on bauxite mining in Chintapalle on Oct 3. Around 15 to 30 naxals
with their arms organized meetings in Koundrupalli village last week and
Dhoundupalli village on Tuesday this week. Both the villages come under
the Jerella reserve forest division of GK Veedhi Agency mandal where the
State proposed to mine bauxite through AP Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC). CPI Maoists (East Division)
representative Ganesh along with some of his associates took part on the
meetings. They told the tribals to strongly oppose the bauxite mining at
the public hearing and if needed resort to a physical fight. They tried to
influence the tribals by saying that the bauxite mining is an evil, which
would eat them while throwing them out of gear. The naxals said that the
mining would be a threat to the livelihood of lakhs of tribals and also
affect the surrounding environment. They have also warned the tribals of
dire consequences if they vote for mining at the slated public hearing.
According to the highly placed sources Maoists leader Ganesh at the
meeting in Dhoundupalli said, “You all should be ready for a physical
fight if needed. We would be behind you. Get ready to revolt against the
government which is trying to mine the bauxite mineral”. The ultras
earlier also held similar anti bauxite mining meetings in the villages
going to be affected by the mining in GK Veedhi Agency mandal. After the
Balimela incident where the Greyhound personnel were killed by the ultras
they stopped organizing such meetings as the police stepped up combing
operations on the Andhra Orissa Border, especially in Vizag Agency areas.
Now freshly the naxals organsied these meetings. It was in June this year
in an encounter police gunned down four extremists including three women
members and one important leader Ranadev, who was the master mind behind
the Koraput and some more major attacks in Orissa and Chattisgarh at
Gunukurai in GK Veedhi Agency mandal. It is leant that the police struck
them when they were making arrangements to organize a special meeting
against bauxite mining on large scale. “More than love towards the welfare
of the tribals the Maoists are pledging their support for anti mining
agitation for their own existence. Once the mining starts there will be a
lot of activity in the Vizag Agency, which would be threat for their
survival. Vizag Agency bordering Orissa is a promising shelter zone for
the ultras due to the tough terrain and thick forest cover it offers,”
said a senior political leader belonging to Agency areas. The state
government through Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC)
is planning to mine the bauxite that is richly available in Vizag Agency
tracts. The APMDC entered into MoUs with the Jindal South West Ltd and Ras
Al Khaima, a UAE based firm to supply bauxite. The Jindals and RAK are
planning to setup alumina refineries in Vizag and neighbouring
Vizianagaram districts. The bauxite mined by the APMDC in Vizag Agency
will be supplied to Jindals and RAK. Bauxite mined in Araku and
Anantagiri, both known for rich coffee cultivation will be supplied to
Jindals’ refinery and the mineral available in Jeralla division under GK
Veedhi will be supplied to RAK.
Visakhapatnam, Sep 11: Vizag Agency might turn another Nandigram where
the outlawed Maoists suspected to be behind the agitation launched against
SEZs. More than 30 were killed in the clashes between the police and
agitating tribals supported by Maoists in Nandigram. The same situation
might arise in Vizag Agency areas. Hitherto pledging their support to the
anti bauxite mining agitation launched by tribals through posters and
pamphlets the ultras took a giant step. Throwing a challenge to the
greyhounds and police the Maoists started organizing meetings in open with
the tribals. They are instigating the local tribals to fight against the
authorities if needed. The meetings by the Maoists gained importance in
view of the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) going to hold a public
hearing on bauxite mining in Chintapalle on Oct 3. Around 15 to 30 naxals
with their arms organized meetings in Koundrupalli village last week and
Dhoundupalli village on Tuesday this week. Both the villages come under
the Jerella reserve forest division of GK Veedhi Agency mandal where the
State proposed to mine bauxite through AP Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC). CPI Maoists (East Division)
representative Ganesh along with some of his associates took part on the
meetings. They told the tribals to strongly oppose the bauxite mining at
the public hearing and if needed resort to a physical fight. They tried to
influence the tribals by saying that the bauxite mining is an evil, which
would eat them while throwing them out of gear. The naxals said that the
mining would be a threat to the livelihood of lakhs of tribals and also
affect the surrounding environment. They have also warned the tribals of
dire consequences if they vote for mining at the slated public hearing.
According to the highly placed sources Maoists leader Ganesh at the
meeting in Dhoundupalli said, “You all should be ready for a physical
fight if needed. We would be behind you. Get ready to revolt against the
government which is trying to mine the bauxite mineral”. The ultras
earlier also held similar anti bauxite mining meetings in the villages
going to be affected by the mining in GK Veedhi Agency mandal. After the
Balimela incident where the Greyhound personnel were killed by the ultras
they stopped organizing such meetings as the police stepped up combing
operations on the Andhra Orissa Border, especially in Vizag Agency areas.
Now freshly the naxals organsied these meetings. It was in June this year
in an encounter police gunned down four extremists including three women
members and one important leader Ranadev, who was the master mind behind
the Koraput and some more major attacks in Orissa and Chattisgarh at
Gunukurai in GK Veedhi Agency mandal. It is leant that the police struck
them when they were making arrangements to organize a special meeting
against bauxite mining on large scale. “More than love towards the welfare
of the tribals the Maoists are pledging their support for anti mining
agitation for their own existence. Once the mining starts there will be a
lot of activity in the Vizag Agency, which would be threat for their
survival. Vizag Agency bordering Orissa is a promising shelter zone for
the ultras due to the tough terrain and thick forest cover it offers,”
said a senior political leader belonging to Agency areas. The state
government through Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC)
is planning to mine the bauxite that is richly available in Vizag Agency
tracts. The APMDC entered into MoUs with the Jindal South West Ltd and Ras
Al Khaima, a UAE based firm to supply bauxite. The Jindals and RAK are
planning to setup alumina refineries in Vizag and neighbouring
Vizianagaram districts. The bauxite mined by the APMDC in Vizag Agency
will be supplied to Jindals and RAK. Bauxite mined in Araku and
Anantagiri, both known for rich coffee cultivation will be supplied to
Jindals’ refinery and the mineral available in Jeralla division under GK
Veedhi will be supplied to RAK.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Surrendered naxal awaits State relief
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sep 7: A former naxalite is now caught between deep sea and the devil. Korra Pandhanna alias Naveen, 35, who was earlier a deputy commander of Galikonda and Polakagiri dalams is now in a fix. He can neither go back to naxals nor continue with the police. Pandhanna, a native of Kannavaram village coming under Koyyuru mandal joined naxal movement in 2001. He later gave up arms and surrendered before the then district superintendent of police Sanjay Kumar Jain in 2005 due to some health related problems and also hearing the incentives and schemes announced by the state government for the surrendered extremists. Even three years after his surrender he still awaits for his reward of Rs 1 lakh announced by the state government and leading a troublesome life as a home guard with a meager Rs 3,000 per month given by the police department. He also frequently receives threats from the extremists for surrendering and working for police. “Mine is a very miserable tale. The constant harassment by the police when I was just a naxal sympathizer drove me to become an active fulltime extremist. Later due to some health related and family problems I quit the naxal movement thinking that my life would be fine after hearing the assurances given by the state government and police,” Pandhanna told this correspondent. He further said that all the assurances given by the police and the state government were just nonsense. Pandhanna said that now he is not able to lead a peaceful life and unable to look after his family properly due to financial woes. He is pleading the authorities to sanction his reward immediately. The surrendered extremist said that he gave up arms and joined mainstream with a motive to give education to his three kids, which was not fulfilled even three years after his surrender due to the financial woes. Pandhanna can operate a AK 47, SLR and .303 weapons and took part in the assassination of a police constable and also many important land mine blasts, attacks on police stations and exchanges of fire. After his surrender Pandhanna could not live in his native Agency villages as he received threatening calls from the naxal leaders. “CPI Maoists east division committee secretary, Jagadeesh had sent statements many times saying that they would kill him. Then the police asked me to work in Vizag as a home guard. Greyhounds’ parties take us with them for combing in Agency areas. Greyhounds take us forcibly with them even though we show our unwillingness to accompany them as the extremists kill us for helping police,” said Pandhanna. Some of the surrendered Maoists once wrote some letters to the extremists stating their plight with the police department, which later fell in the hands of the police. Pandhanna said that after the combing parties seized those letters from an arrested naxal party they harassed those who wrote letters. “Now I really don’t know what to do. If I go back to my native village extremists will definitely kill me. But cannot live here with the police department,” the surrendered extremist added.
Visakhapatnam, Sep 7: A former naxalite is now caught between deep sea and the devil. Korra Pandhanna alias Naveen, 35, who was earlier a deputy commander of Galikonda and Polakagiri dalams is now in a fix. He can neither go back to naxals nor continue with the police. Pandhanna, a native of Kannavaram village coming under Koyyuru mandal joined naxal movement in 2001. He later gave up arms and surrendered before the then district superintendent of police Sanjay Kumar Jain in 2005 due to some health related problems and also hearing the incentives and schemes announced by the state government for the surrendered extremists. Even three years after his surrender he still awaits for his reward of Rs 1 lakh announced by the state government and leading a troublesome life as a home guard with a meager Rs 3,000 per month given by the police department. He also frequently receives threats from the extremists for surrendering and working for police. “Mine is a very miserable tale. The constant harassment by the police when I was just a naxal sympathizer drove me to become an active fulltime extremist. Later due to some health related and family problems I quit the naxal movement thinking that my life would be fine after hearing the assurances given by the state government and police,” Pandhanna told this correspondent. He further said that all the assurances given by the police and the state government were just nonsense. Pandhanna said that now he is not able to lead a peaceful life and unable to look after his family properly due to financial woes. He is pleading the authorities to sanction his reward immediately. The surrendered extremist said that he gave up arms and joined mainstream with a motive to give education to his three kids, which was not fulfilled even three years after his surrender due to the financial woes. Pandhanna can operate a AK 47, SLR and .303 weapons and took part in the assassination of a police constable and also many important land mine blasts, attacks on police stations and exchanges of fire. After his surrender Pandhanna could not live in his native Agency villages as he received threatening calls from the naxal leaders. “CPI Maoists east division committee secretary, Jagadeesh had sent statements many times saying that they would kill him. Then the police asked me to work in Vizag as a home guard. Greyhounds’ parties take us with them for combing in Agency areas. Greyhounds take us forcibly with them even though we show our unwillingness to accompany them as the extremists kill us for helping police,” said Pandhanna. Some of the surrendered Maoists once wrote some letters to the extremists stating their plight with the police department, which later fell in the hands of the police. Pandhanna said that after the combing parties seized those letters from an arrested naxal party they harassed those who wrote letters. “Now I really don’t know what to do. If I go back to my native village extremists will definitely kill me. But cannot live here with the police department,” the surrendered extremist added.
As the sea seeps in
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 7: An expert study has revealed that groundwater in the coastal areas of the state is slowly turning salty. Unless urgent remedial action is taken, the farmers of the area would face crop failure and attendant financial crisis. The hydro geochemistry study was conducted by a group from the environmental science department of the Gitam University.
As part of it, 81 groundwater samples were collected from 21 places in Nellore, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts. And most of the samples contained salt. One reason for this is the overuse of groundwater. In scientific terms, when freshwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished, the water table drawdown sets in with a resultant decrease in the overall hydrostatic pressure. And when this happens near an ocean shoreline, the saltwater from the sea intrudes into the freshwater aquifer.
Some of the water samples collected were tested and studied at the university labs and others at the National Geographic Research Institute at Hyderabad. "Alarmingly, most of the water samples collected are salty," said Prof. Ch Ramakrishna of Gitam University . "This spells trouble for agricultural activity along the entire coastal area." Not only that, the general populace would also face acute shortage of freshwater. Prof. Ramakrishna said that there were a large number of borewells in Nellore which had resulted in overuse and depletion of groundwater. This resulted in intrusion of salt water.
The situation in Vizag was even worse because of the discharge of polluted industrial wastes into seawater which then creeps into groundwater. "This is causing an environmental ecological imbalance," said Prof. Ramakrishna. "The effluents being discharged into the sea by industries in and around Vizag are not being treated well. The levels of magnesium, sodium and other minerals in the groundwater are also found to be above the required levels.
Vizag becoming Chennai
Visakhapatnam would soon become another Chennai at the rate in which the groundwater in the district is turning salty. Residents of coastal battery near the collectorate, Kota Veedhi, the old post office and the port areas in One Town, Mulakuddu and Nagarapalem besides, parts of Thagarapuvalasa in the rural areas were in distress recently after it was found that the water they drew from their wells tasted salty.
Chennai residents had experienced this over two decades ago following overdrawing of groundwater. At present, people in chennai are unable to extract freshwater from the ground and have to depend on other sources. "We were surprised to get salty water from the well in our backyard instead of freshwater as usual," said Mr Ramu, a resident of coastal battery. "We have never used municipal tap water as the water from our well always tasted good. But all that has changed now."
Experts pointed out that groundwater had been overdrawn in Vizag and there was no scope for recharge. Most people have plastered their compounds with tiles or cement and this prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground and replenishing groundwater.
"There is rapid depletion and deterioration in quantity and quality of groundwater," said Mr D. Bhima Sankar Rao, deputy director of the groundwater department. "Though we have not received any specific complaint about saltwater intrusion, we know that the coastal battery area is affected by this," he further added.
To solve this problem, the groundwater department has been asking local bodies to insist on setting up of recharge structures during construction of commercial buildings, residential complexes and industrial houses. In most places, once saltwater intrusion takes place, it requires great efforts to bring things back to normal.
"However, Vizag is lucky since it is surrounded by hills which protect groundwater," said the official. "City residents need to adopt methods of artificial recharge such as rainwater harvesting, recharge pits or recharge wells."
Visakhapatnam, Sept. 7: An expert study has revealed that groundwater in the coastal areas of the state is slowly turning salty. Unless urgent remedial action is taken, the farmers of the area would face crop failure and attendant financial crisis. The hydro geochemistry study was conducted by a group from the environmental science department of the Gitam University.
As part of it, 81 groundwater samples were collected from 21 places in Nellore, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts. And most of the samples contained salt. One reason for this is the overuse of groundwater. In scientific terms, when freshwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished, the water table drawdown sets in with a resultant decrease in the overall hydrostatic pressure. And when this happens near an ocean shoreline, the saltwater from the sea intrudes into the freshwater aquifer.
Some of the water samples collected were tested and studied at the university labs and others at the National Geographic Research Institute at Hyderabad. "Alarmingly, most of the water samples collected are salty," said Prof. Ch Ramakrishna of Gitam University . "This spells trouble for agricultural activity along the entire coastal area." Not only that, the general populace would also face acute shortage of freshwater. Prof. Ramakrishna said that there were a large number of borewells in Nellore which had resulted in overuse and depletion of groundwater. This resulted in intrusion of salt water.
The situation in Vizag was even worse because of the discharge of polluted industrial wastes into seawater which then creeps into groundwater. "This is causing an environmental ecological imbalance," said Prof. Ramakrishna. "The effluents being discharged into the sea by industries in and around Vizag are not being treated well. The levels of magnesium, sodium and other minerals in the groundwater are also found to be above the required levels.
Vizag becoming Chennai
Visakhapatnam would soon become another Chennai at the rate in which the groundwater in the district is turning salty. Residents of coastal battery near the collectorate, Kota Veedhi, the old post office and the port areas in One Town, Mulakuddu and Nagarapalem besides, parts of Thagarapuvalasa in the rural areas were in distress recently after it was found that the water they drew from their wells tasted salty.
Chennai residents had experienced this over two decades ago following overdrawing of groundwater. At present, people in chennai are unable to extract freshwater from the ground and have to depend on other sources. "We were surprised to get salty water from the well in our backyard instead of freshwater as usual," said Mr Ramu, a resident of coastal battery. "We have never used municipal tap water as the water from our well always tasted good. But all that has changed now."
Experts pointed out that groundwater had been overdrawn in Vizag and there was no scope for recharge. Most people have plastered their compounds with tiles or cement and this prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground and replenishing groundwater.
"There is rapid depletion and deterioration in quantity and quality of groundwater," said Mr D. Bhima Sankar Rao, deputy director of the groundwater department. "Though we have not received any specific complaint about saltwater intrusion, we know that the coastal battery area is affected by this," he further added.
To solve this problem, the groundwater department has been asking local bodies to insist on setting up of recharge structures during construction of commercial buildings, residential complexes and industrial houses. In most places, once saltwater intrusion takes place, it requires great efforts to bring things back to normal.
"However, Vizag is lucky since it is surrounded by hills which protect groundwater," said the official. "City residents need to adopt methods of artificial recharge such as rainwater harvesting, recharge pits or recharge wells."
Monday, August 11, 2008
The great shark hunt
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Aug. 10: Sharks may soon disappear from the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to the greedy fishermen who are killing these predators for its fins between the Srikakulam and Kakinada coast. Sharks are a highly endangered species according to the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Shark fins are very popular in some Asian countries and this prompts fishermen to net them without compunction or second thoughts. Shark fin soup is a prized delicacy in some countries while according to Chinese traditional medicine, the fins are used to strengthen the waist, supplement vital energy, nourish blood, reinvigorate the kidneys and lungs and improve digestion. Powdered shark fins are also highly sought after as an aphrodisiac in Asian markets. According to the Wildlife Act 1972, hunting, trading and consumption of sharks can attract prison term of seven years and fine of Rs 25,000. However, this has not curbed the trade.
Overfishing in the Bay of Bengal has led to the decline of several species of fishes. This has forced fishermen to hunt sharks to make an easy buck. Fishermen use Beach Land Crafts to catch sharks in the waters off Vizag coast using hooks. Though it is against the law, they conduct open auctions of sharks at the fishing harbour close to the fisheries department. An average sized shark weighing between 60 to 100 kg would fetch the local fisherman about Rs 1,300.
However, the fisheries department assistant director, Mr Mohammed Basha, said that no cases had been booked in connection with shark fishing. Officials also feigned ignorance of the auction. Traders buy these sharks openly from the fishermen, cut the dorsal, pectoral and tail fins, dry them and sell them to other traders at Chennai. From Chennai these fins go to markets of other Asian countries. Fishermen do not get much money by selling shark meat and it is solely because of the demand for fins that they go after the big fish aggressively. The price increases once the fins reach Asian markets. In cities such as Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, a bowl of shark fin soup costs $90. It is also a favourite delicacy in China . Shark’s fin is prized for its slippery and glutinous texture that provides a thickened soup without cornstarch. And Chinese people also believe that shark’s fin strengthens the internal organs and retards aging.
Sharks are also a tremendous source of cartilage. Unlike many fish, which have bony skeletons, shark skeletons are made entirely of cartilage, which grows throughout the animal’s life. Shark cartilage pills are advertised as cure-alls for any number of ailments and diseases. Most of the fins caught in the state go to Hong Kong and other parts of China , Japan , Singapore , Thailand and South Korea .
Studies conducted by researchers of Andhra University revealed that around 12 kinds of shark species are found in the Bay of Bengal between Srikakulam and Kakinada . "Even though the ingestion of shark fin is believed to enhance virility, scientifically, fin does not have the necessary composition," says Prof D.E. Babu, head of the department of zoology in Andhra University .
However he adds that shark meat does enhance the immune system and strengthens the joints apart from improving circulation. "Sharks have a long life span, don’t reach sexual maturity until they are 12 to 20 years old, and even then have a low reproductive rate," says Mr Babu. This means that aggressive fishing would have a major impact in the shark population.
"Sharks cannot breed fast enough to keep up with the current demand," said Mr Babu. "Many shark species are now threatened with extinction. Dropping shark populations could spell big trouble for the ocean ecosystems so crucial to life on earth."
Visakhapatnam, Aug. 10: Sharks may soon disappear from the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to the greedy fishermen who are killing these predators for its fins between the Srikakulam and Kakinada coast. Sharks are a highly endangered species according to the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Shark fins are very popular in some Asian countries and this prompts fishermen to net them without compunction or second thoughts. Shark fin soup is a prized delicacy in some countries while according to Chinese traditional medicine, the fins are used to strengthen the waist, supplement vital energy, nourish blood, reinvigorate the kidneys and lungs and improve digestion. Powdered shark fins are also highly sought after as an aphrodisiac in Asian markets. According to the Wildlife Act 1972, hunting, trading and consumption of sharks can attract prison term of seven years and fine of Rs 25,000. However, this has not curbed the trade.
Overfishing in the Bay of Bengal has led to the decline of several species of fishes. This has forced fishermen to hunt sharks to make an easy buck. Fishermen use Beach Land Crafts to catch sharks in the waters off Vizag coast using hooks. Though it is against the law, they conduct open auctions of sharks at the fishing harbour close to the fisheries department. An average sized shark weighing between 60 to 100 kg would fetch the local fisherman about Rs 1,300.
However, the fisheries department assistant director, Mr Mohammed Basha, said that no cases had been booked in connection with shark fishing. Officials also feigned ignorance of the auction. Traders buy these sharks openly from the fishermen, cut the dorsal, pectoral and tail fins, dry them and sell them to other traders at Chennai. From Chennai these fins go to markets of other Asian countries. Fishermen do not get much money by selling shark meat and it is solely because of the demand for fins that they go after the big fish aggressively. The price increases once the fins reach Asian markets. In cities such as Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, a bowl of shark fin soup costs $90. It is also a favourite delicacy in China . Shark’s fin is prized for its slippery and glutinous texture that provides a thickened soup without cornstarch. And Chinese people also believe that shark’s fin strengthens the internal organs and retards aging.
Sharks are also a tremendous source of cartilage. Unlike many fish, which have bony skeletons, shark skeletons are made entirely of cartilage, which grows throughout the animal’s life. Shark cartilage pills are advertised as cure-alls for any number of ailments and diseases. Most of the fins caught in the state go to Hong Kong and other parts of China , Japan , Singapore , Thailand and South Korea .
Studies conducted by researchers of Andhra University revealed that around 12 kinds of shark species are found in the Bay of Bengal between Srikakulam and Kakinada . "Even though the ingestion of shark fin is believed to enhance virility, scientifically, fin does not have the necessary composition," says Prof D.E. Babu, head of the department of zoology in Andhra University .
However he adds that shark meat does enhance the immune system and strengthens the joints apart from improving circulation. "Sharks have a long life span, don’t reach sexual maturity until they are 12 to 20 years old, and even then have a low reproductive rate," says Mr Babu. This means that aggressive fishing would have a major impact in the shark population.
"Sharks cannot breed fast enough to keep up with the current demand," said Mr Babu. "Many shark species are now threatened with extinction. Dropping shark populations could spell big trouble for the ocean ecosystems so crucial to life on earth."
The great shark hunt
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Aug. 10: Sharks may soon disappear from the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to the greedy fishermen who are killing these predators for its fins between the Srikakulam and Kakinada coast. Sharks are a highly endangered species according to the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Shark fins are very popular in some Asian countries and this prompts fishermen to net them without compunction or second thoughts. Shark fin soup is a prized delicacy in some countries while according to Chinese traditional medicine, the fins are used to strengthen the waist, supplement vital energy, nourish blood, reinvigorate the kidneys and lungs and improve digestion. Powdered shark fins are also highly sought after as an aphrodisiac in Asian markets. According to the Wildlife Act 1972, hunting, trading and consumption of sharks can attract prison term of seven years and fine of Rs 25,000. However, this has not curbed the trade.
Overfishing in the Bay of Bengal has led to the decline of several species of fishes. This has forced fishermen to hunt sharks to make an easy buck. Fishermen use Beach Land Crafts to catch sharks in the waters off Vizag coast using hooks. Though it is against the law, they conduct open auctions of sharks at the fishing harbour close to the fisheries department. An average sized shark weighing between 60 to 100 kg would fetch the local fisherman about Rs 1,300.
However, the fisheries department assistant director, Mr Mohammed Basha, said that no cases had been booked in connection with shark fishing. Officials also feigned ignorance of the auction. Traders buy these sharks openly from the fishermen, cut the dorsal, pectoral and tail fins, dry them and sell them to other traders at Chennai. From Chennai these fins go to markets of other Asian countries. Fishermen do not get much money by selling shark meat and it is solely because of the demand for fins that they go after the big fish aggressively. The price increases once the fins reach Asian markets. In cities such as Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, a bowl of shark fin soup costs $90. It is also a favourite delicacy in China . Shark’s fin is prized for its slippery and glutinous texture that provides a thickened soup without cornstarch. And Chinese people also believe that shark’s fin strengthens the internal organs and retards aging.
Sharks are also a tremendous source of cartilage. Unlike many fish, which have bony skeletons, shark skeletons are made entirely of cartilage, which grows throughout the animal’s life. Shark cartilage pills are advertised as cure-alls for any number of ailments and diseases. Most of the fins caught in the state go to Hong Kong and other parts of China , Japan , Singapore , Thailand and South Korea .
Studies conducted by researchers of Andhra University revealed that around 12 kinds of shark species are found in the Bay of Bengal between Srikakulam and Kakinada . "Even though the ingestion of shark fin is believed to enhance virility, scientifically, fin does not have the necessary composition," says Prof D.E. Babu, head of the department of zoology in Andhra University .
However he adds that shark meat does enhance the immune system and strengthens the joints apart from improving circulation. "Sharks have a long life span, don’t reach sexual maturity until they are 12 to 20 years old, and even then have a low reproductive rate," says Mr Babu. This means that aggressive fishing would have a major impact in the shark population.
"Sharks cannot breed fast enough to keep up with the current demand," said Mr Babu. "Many shark species are now threatened with extinction. Dropping shark populations could spell big trouble for the ocean ecosystems so crucial to life on earth."
Visakhapatnam, Aug. 10: Sharks may soon disappear from the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to the greedy fishermen who are killing these predators for its fins between the Srikakulam and Kakinada coast. Sharks are a highly endangered species according to the Red Data Book of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Shark fins are very popular in some Asian countries and this prompts fishermen to net them without compunction or second thoughts. Shark fin soup is a prized delicacy in some countries while according to Chinese traditional medicine, the fins are used to strengthen the waist, supplement vital energy, nourish blood, reinvigorate the kidneys and lungs and improve digestion. Powdered shark fins are also highly sought after as an aphrodisiac in Asian markets. According to the Wildlife Act 1972, hunting, trading and consumption of sharks can attract prison term of seven years and fine of Rs 25,000. However, this has not curbed the trade.
Overfishing in the Bay of Bengal has led to the decline of several species of fishes. This has forced fishermen to hunt sharks to make an easy buck. Fishermen use Beach Land Crafts to catch sharks in the waters off Vizag coast using hooks. Though it is against the law, they conduct open auctions of sharks at the fishing harbour close to the fisheries department. An average sized shark weighing between 60 to 100 kg would fetch the local fisherman about Rs 1,300.
However, the fisheries department assistant director, Mr Mohammed Basha, said that no cases had been booked in connection with shark fishing. Officials also feigned ignorance of the auction. Traders buy these sharks openly from the fishermen, cut the dorsal, pectoral and tail fins, dry them and sell them to other traders at Chennai. From Chennai these fins go to markets of other Asian countries. Fishermen do not get much money by selling shark meat and it is solely because of the demand for fins that they go after the big fish aggressively. The price increases once the fins reach Asian markets. In cities such as Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, a bowl of shark fin soup costs $90. It is also a favourite delicacy in China . Shark’s fin is prized for its slippery and glutinous texture that provides a thickened soup without cornstarch. And Chinese people also believe that shark’s fin strengthens the internal organs and retards aging.
Sharks are also a tremendous source of cartilage. Unlike many fish, which have bony skeletons, shark skeletons are made entirely of cartilage, which grows throughout the animal’s life. Shark cartilage pills are advertised as cure-alls for any number of ailments and diseases. Most of the fins caught in the state go to Hong Kong and other parts of China , Japan , Singapore , Thailand and South Korea .
Studies conducted by researchers of Andhra University revealed that around 12 kinds of shark species are found in the Bay of Bengal between Srikakulam and Kakinada . "Even though the ingestion of shark fin is believed to enhance virility, scientifically, fin does not have the necessary composition," says Prof D.E. Babu, head of the department of zoology in Andhra University .
However he adds that shark meat does enhance the immune system and strengthens the joints apart from improving circulation. "Sharks have a long life span, don’t reach sexual maturity until they are 12 to 20 years old, and even then have a low reproductive rate," says Mr Babu. This means that aggressive fishing would have a major impact in the shark population.
"Sharks cannot breed fast enough to keep up with the current demand," said Mr Babu. "Many shark species are now threatened with extinction. Dropping shark populations could spell big trouble for the ocean ecosystems so crucial to life on earth."
Friday, August 8, 2008
Siberian birds face threat from power plant
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam Aug. 7: The spectacular sight of beautiful pelicans and painted storks which visit Thelineelapuram in the neighbouring Srikakulam district will soon disappear. The state government’s proposed 2,640 mega watt (MW) thermal power plant to be set up in an extent of 3,500 acres at Bhavanapadu, falls just near the Thelineelapuram bird sanctuary where these migratory birds visit. Both the pelicans and storks are sensitive to pollution.
Thelineerapuram, which is known as paradise for bird observers, was rated as A1 Important Bird Area sites (IBAs). The area of about 3,400 acres, comprising Thelineelapuram and Nowpada swamps, have been recognised as the habitat providing the nesting and feeding ground for about 122 rare and vulnerable species of migratory birds.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EPC) of ministry of environment and forest (MoEF), considered 2,640 MW coal-based thermal power plant at Bhavanapadu in Kakarapalli by M/s East Coast Energy Pvt. Ltd, in its meeting held on July 9 and 10, 2007, and prescribed the Terms of Reference (TORs) for preparation of draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
The swamps in Thelineelapuram and neighbouring Nowpada are perhaps the last surviving marshy patch in the state. Every year, over 3,000 pelicans and painted storks make their way from Siberia to this coastal village during September and stay on till March-end. Resear-chers at Andhra University said the birds had been following this aerial route since 15 years.
The migratory movement was first noticed over 15 years ago. At that time the number of birds exceeded 10,000. At present the figure has dwindled to about 3,000. These birds fly from Siberia in ‘V’ shaped groups with the older birds leading the way.
Scientists have pointed out that the ‘V’ formation scientifically creates a vacuum in the middle to facilitate the younger ones to use less energy. The birds fly at an average speed of 90 kmph and can do over 800 km at a stretch. Apart from avoiding the harsh Siberian winter and food scarcity, the birds come here for breeding as well.
“The diversion of about 2,400 acres from the marshy patch to the thermal power plant, will directly impinge on Thelineelapuram and Nowpada swamps and will endanger the bird sanctuary there. Unfortunately this aspect does not seem to have been highlighted in EIA report,” said Capt. J. Rama Rao of Forum for Sustainable Development.
Visakhapatnam Aug. 7: The spectacular sight of beautiful pelicans and painted storks which visit Thelineelapuram in the neighbouring Srikakulam district will soon disappear. The state government’s proposed 2,640 mega watt (MW) thermal power plant to be set up in an extent of 3,500 acres at Bhavanapadu, falls just near the Thelineelapuram bird sanctuary where these migratory birds visit. Both the pelicans and storks are sensitive to pollution.
Thelineerapuram, which is known as paradise for bird observers, was rated as A1 Important Bird Area sites (IBAs). The area of about 3,400 acres, comprising Thelineelapuram and Nowpada swamps, have been recognised as the habitat providing the nesting and feeding ground for about 122 rare and vulnerable species of migratory birds.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EPC) of ministry of environment and forest (MoEF), considered 2,640 MW coal-based thermal power plant at Bhavanapadu in Kakarapalli by M/s East Coast Energy Pvt. Ltd, in its meeting held on July 9 and 10, 2007, and prescribed the Terms of Reference (TORs) for preparation of draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
The swamps in Thelineelapuram and neighbouring Nowpada are perhaps the last surviving marshy patch in the state. Every year, over 3,000 pelicans and painted storks make their way from Siberia to this coastal village during September and stay on till March-end. Resear-chers at Andhra University said the birds had been following this aerial route since 15 years.
The migratory movement was first noticed over 15 years ago. At that time the number of birds exceeded 10,000. At present the figure has dwindled to about 3,000. These birds fly from Siberia in ‘V’ shaped groups with the older birds leading the way.
Scientists have pointed out that the ‘V’ formation scientifically creates a vacuum in the middle to facilitate the younger ones to use less energy. The birds fly at an average speed of 90 kmph and can do over 800 km at a stretch. Apart from avoiding the harsh Siberian winter and food scarcity, the birds come here for breeding as well.
“The diversion of about 2,400 acres from the marshy patch to the thermal power plant, will directly impinge on Thelineelapuram and Nowpada swamps and will endanger the bird sanctuary there. Unfortunately this aspect does not seem to have been highlighted in EIA report,” said Capt. J. Rama Rao of Forum for Sustainable Development.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Naxals focus on Vizag trade units
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, July 4: The CPI ML Praja Prathighatana is expanding its operations to north coastal Andhra districts and has started recruiting activists from the district. The party has hitherto been active only in some Telangana districts and its activists are popularly known as PPG Naxals.
Sources said the PPG Naxals felt that the unrest in the industrial areas of the district gave them a fertile opportunity to set up a base there. Their intention is to work among both the organised and unorganised working class of the district and spread their ideology among them. They are also trying to gain influence among the fisherfolk.
The CPI (Maoists), who have been in this region since 1980s, had failed to build up a big influence in North Andhra unlike other Marxist Leninist political formations which have trade union fronts and actively take up issues related to the working class. The PPG has also been trying to wield influence through trade unions in the Telangana region and is now trying to replicate the formula in the district.
One of the PPG Naxals’ trade union leaders, A. Moses, was gunned down in an exchange of fire between the Greyhounds and extremists in the forests near Paloncha of Khammam district. Moses was the president of the IFTU-affiliated Auto Workers’ Union of Hyderabad. The PPG Naxals are focusing on Vizag since there are more than a dozen public sector units and many private industries, big, small and medium, in the suburbs.
More than one lakh people earn a living from these industries directly or indirectly and the PPG Naxals are planning to inspire and support agitations by these workers. Though important CPI Maoist activists use the industrial suburbs as a shelter, they have not tried to intervene in such trade union issues directly or through their frontal organisations.
Police got an inkling of the PPG Naxals’ plans after finding some propaganda material and posters in Dibbapalem village where the new Ganagavaram private port is coming up. The CPI ML (Praja Prathighatana) was formed in 1994 as a splinter group by those who were against the policies of CPI (ML) Prathighatana.
A second rung leader, Chalamanna, led the movement supported by women’s leaders like Radhakka (wife of Chandra Pulla Reddy, an active member of Prathighatana group). Later, the group split again with Radhakka forming a separate group, ‘Godavari Loya Prathighatana’, which further split.
Of these groups, the one led by Mohan emerged stronger, and commanded at least ten dalams in Khammam, Warangal and Karimnagar districts. This group recently made attempts to float a legal organisation on the lines of CPI (ML) New Democracy and held a meeting at Paloancha to discuss the possibilities of a trade union movement for unorganised labourers.
It is to be suspected that the PPG Naxals have chosen the Dibbapalem village for their experiment as the fisherfolk who would be displaced by the Gangavaram Private Port have been agitating for a rehabilitation package. The recent crisis at Gangavaram private port leading to police firing and repeated clashes between the administration and agitating fisherfolk has created a fertile situation for the PPG Naxals.
Police who were keeping a close watch on the Dibbapalem village found evidence to prove PPG activity. Apart from the discovery of the propaganda material, police also learnt that a woman who has links with the PPG naxals and residing Dibbapalem went missing recently.
"We have information about a Naxal module operating in the Dibbapalem and Gangavaram villages," said the City Police Commissioner, Mr N. Sambasiva Rao. "We are keeping a close watch on all trade union activities." Another senior police officer said there was also information that PPG Naxals were moving in the industrial suburbs and were trying to set up a base there.
Visakhapatnam, July 4: The CPI ML Praja Prathighatana is expanding its operations to north coastal Andhra districts and has started recruiting activists from the district. The party has hitherto been active only in some Telangana districts and its activists are popularly known as PPG Naxals.
Sources said the PPG Naxals felt that the unrest in the industrial areas of the district gave them a fertile opportunity to set up a base there. Their intention is to work among both the organised and unorganised working class of the district and spread their ideology among them. They are also trying to gain influence among the fisherfolk.
The CPI (Maoists), who have been in this region since 1980s, had failed to build up a big influence in North Andhra unlike other Marxist Leninist political formations which have trade union fronts and actively take up issues related to the working class. The PPG has also been trying to wield influence through trade unions in the Telangana region and is now trying to replicate the formula in the district.
One of the PPG Naxals’ trade union leaders, A. Moses, was gunned down in an exchange of fire between the Greyhounds and extremists in the forests near Paloncha of Khammam district. Moses was the president of the IFTU-affiliated Auto Workers’ Union of Hyderabad. The PPG Naxals are focusing on Vizag since there are more than a dozen public sector units and many private industries, big, small and medium, in the suburbs.
More than one lakh people earn a living from these industries directly or indirectly and the PPG Naxals are planning to inspire and support agitations by these workers. Though important CPI Maoist activists use the industrial suburbs as a shelter, they have not tried to intervene in such trade union issues directly or through their frontal organisations.
Police got an inkling of the PPG Naxals’ plans after finding some propaganda material and posters in Dibbapalem village where the new Ganagavaram private port is coming up. The CPI ML (Praja Prathighatana) was formed in 1994 as a splinter group by those who were against the policies of CPI (ML) Prathighatana.
A second rung leader, Chalamanna, led the movement supported by women’s leaders like Radhakka (wife of Chandra Pulla Reddy, an active member of Prathighatana group). Later, the group split again with Radhakka forming a separate group, ‘Godavari Loya Prathighatana’, which further split.
Of these groups, the one led by Mohan emerged stronger, and commanded at least ten dalams in Khammam, Warangal and Karimnagar districts. This group recently made attempts to float a legal organisation on the lines of CPI (ML) New Democracy and held a meeting at Paloancha to discuss the possibilities of a trade union movement for unorganised labourers.
It is to be suspected that the PPG Naxals have chosen the Dibbapalem village for their experiment as the fisherfolk who would be displaced by the Gangavaram Private Port have been agitating for a rehabilitation package. The recent crisis at Gangavaram private port leading to police firing and repeated clashes between the administration and agitating fisherfolk has created a fertile situation for the PPG Naxals.
Police who were keeping a close watch on the Dibbapalem village found evidence to prove PPG activity. Apart from the discovery of the propaganda material, police also learnt that a woman who has links with the PPG naxals and residing Dibbapalem went missing recently.
"We have information about a Naxal module operating in the Dibbapalem and Gangavaram villages," said the City Police Commissioner, Mr N. Sambasiva Rao. "We are keeping a close watch on all trade union activities." Another senior police officer said there was also information that PPG Naxals were moving in the industrial suburbs and were trying to set up a base there.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Cop cover to counter Maoists
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, June 27: Exactly a year ago in the month of June the
outlawed CPI Maoists gunned down Zilla Parishad vice chairman, Sammidi
Ravishankar, belonging to Congres party in open in Hukumpeta which is
known as the one of the strongholds of the extremists in the Andhra Orissa
Border (AOB). Police never dared to enter those places due to the strong
network the extremists have with the local tribals. But now things have
changed. In April this year the district superintendent of police Dr Akun
Sabharwal went to the house of the Maoist Vizag division committee
secretary and one of the important leader of AOB Special Zonal Committee
(AOBSZC), Ganesh house, in uniform, in one of the interior villages
under the same Hukumpeta Agency mandal, interacted with Ganesh family
members. The local tribals received the SP with warmth.
The police extended help to the family. They provided a home guard job to
Ganesh’s younger brother and gave some supporting material to run a cycle
repair shop to another brother. Thanks to the superintendent of police
Akun Sabharwal who took an initiative to launch various welfare measures
and friendly gestures which brought a considerable change in the attitude
and the mindsets of the villagers and due to which the police were able to
move free in the villages.
For years the police were seen as enemies in the Agency villages, which
are the strongholds of naxals. The situation has changed now. The police
have distributed SSC study materials to the tribal students, organized
computer classes, and distributed cricket and volleyball kits to the youth
for recreation, sewing machines to the women. For entertainment police
also distributed more than 20 Television Sets with DTH connections. Police
felt that the tribals were ignorant of certain issues happening around the
world and were in dark all these days.
To awaken them and to provide a bit of entertainment they have distributed
these TVs with DTH connections. Earlier the special combing parties used
to face mild resistance from the natives while entering the tribal hamlets
as part of their combing operations. But now the parties are welcomed with
a smile on the faces of the native tribals. The special combing parties
are carrying some general medicines for pains, fevers and other minor
ailments. They distribute the medicines to all the villagers when they
visit them during their combing operations. Until now since a year the
combing parties have distributed about Rs 4 lakhs worth medicines.
“There’s an absolute change in the attitude of the natives. Earlier our
men used to have a tough time to take up combing operations. Forget the
extremists it used to become a major challenge for the parties to face the
native tribals in the first. Now the situation is entirely different. I my
self went to some strongholds of Maoists to meet their parents. The
natives welcomed me with a warm reception. Which shows it all. With the
TVs we distributed now the tribals are able to see the real outside world
and what’s happening around them. They are slowly realizing why they were
lagging behind the development and who are hindering it. Till now they
were in their own world. They never came out and some vested interests
never allowed them to see the outside world, ” said district
superintendent of police Dr Akun Sabharwal. Police also launched a bus
service from Bangarumetta to Paderu for the benefit of the tribals. The SP
also traveled in the bus when he launched the service. These welfare
measures and friendly gestures have also proved to be helping the police
in other two aspects also. On one hand they could develop and build strong
information network, gained an entry to the naxal bastions. And on the
other with the police coming close to the tribals more insiders of the
Maoists are coming forward to give up and surrender. A recent encounter at
Gunukurai in GK Veedhi Agency mandal where four extremists including three
women members and one important leader Ranadev, who was the master mind
behind the Koraput and some more major attacks in Orissa and Chattisgarh
recently was the result of the strong information network police developed
through the recent initiatives of welfare measures. “Now we feel more
safe. We were sandwiched between both naxals and police until recent
times. Police used to harass us branding everyone as naxal sympathizers,”
said Pangi Sorri, belonging Hukumpeta. Police also formed youth groups in
most of the villages. “We are extending our help for the welfare of the
tribals. Besides providing all the possible entertainment
and recreation which they lack,” Sabharwal added. The surrenders also
increased in the recent times. In a period of just 11 months 53 extremists
surrendered before the superintendent of police, who included a commander
cadre man, 4 deputy commanders, 18 members and 30 militia members. However
skeptics felt that these are just dubious PRexercises by the police to
turn the natives towards them. “These are just PR exercises taken up by
the police for the benefit of themselves. They are not at all committed
towards the welfare of the villagers,” said a rights activist. However the
Maoists have gunned down at least 4 persons in recent months saying that
they were helping police by leaking key information about their movements.
Visakhapatnam, June 27: Exactly a year ago in the month of June the
outlawed CPI Maoists gunned down Zilla Parishad vice chairman, Sammidi
Ravishankar, belonging to Congres party in open in Hukumpeta which is
known as the one of the strongholds of the extremists in the Andhra Orissa
Border (AOB). Police never dared to enter those places due to the strong
network the extremists have with the local tribals. But now things have
changed. In April this year the district superintendent of police Dr Akun
Sabharwal went to the house of the Maoist Vizag division committee
secretary and one of the important leader of AOB Special Zonal Committee
(AOBSZC), Ganesh house, in uniform, in one of the interior villages
under the same Hukumpeta Agency mandal, interacted with Ganesh family
members. The local tribals received the SP with warmth.
The police extended help to the family. They provided a home guard job to
Ganesh’s younger brother and gave some supporting material to run a cycle
repair shop to another brother. Thanks to the superintendent of police
Akun Sabharwal who took an initiative to launch various welfare measures
and friendly gestures which brought a considerable change in the attitude
and the mindsets of the villagers and due to which the police were able to
move free in the villages.
For years the police were seen as enemies in the Agency villages, which
are the strongholds of naxals. The situation has changed now. The police
have distributed SSC study materials to the tribal students, organized
computer classes, and distributed cricket and volleyball kits to the youth
for recreation, sewing machines to the women. For entertainment police
also distributed more than 20 Television Sets with DTH connections. Police
felt that the tribals were ignorant of certain issues happening around the
world and were in dark all these days.
To awaken them and to provide a bit of entertainment they have distributed
these TVs with DTH connections. Earlier the special combing parties used
to face mild resistance from the natives while entering the tribal hamlets
as part of their combing operations. But now the parties are welcomed with
a smile on the faces of the native tribals. The special combing parties
are carrying some general medicines for pains, fevers and other minor
ailments. They distribute the medicines to all the villagers when they
visit them during their combing operations. Until now since a year the
combing parties have distributed about Rs 4 lakhs worth medicines.
“There’s an absolute change in the attitude of the natives. Earlier our
men used to have a tough time to take up combing operations. Forget the
extremists it used to become a major challenge for the parties to face the
native tribals in the first. Now the situation is entirely different. I my
self went to some strongholds of Maoists to meet their parents. The
natives welcomed me with a warm reception. Which shows it all. With the
TVs we distributed now the tribals are able to see the real outside world
and what’s happening around them. They are slowly realizing why they were
lagging behind the development and who are hindering it. Till now they
were in their own world. They never came out and some vested interests
never allowed them to see the outside world, ” said district
superintendent of police Dr Akun Sabharwal. Police also launched a bus
service from Bangarumetta to Paderu for the benefit of the tribals. The SP
also traveled in the bus when he launched the service. These welfare
measures and friendly gestures have also proved to be helping the police
in other two aspects also. On one hand they could develop and build strong
information network, gained an entry to the naxal bastions. And on the
other with the police coming close to the tribals more insiders of the
Maoists are coming forward to give up and surrender. A recent encounter at
Gunukurai in GK Veedhi Agency mandal where four extremists including three
women members and one important leader Ranadev, who was the master mind
behind the Koraput and some more major attacks in Orissa and Chattisgarh
recently was the result of the strong information network police developed
through the recent initiatives of welfare measures. “Now we feel more
safe. We were sandwiched between both naxals and police until recent
times. Police used to harass us branding everyone as naxal sympathizers,”
said Pangi Sorri, belonging Hukumpeta. Police also formed youth groups in
most of the villages. “We are extending our help for the welfare of the
tribals. Besides providing all the possible entertainment
and recreation which they lack,” Sabharwal added. The surrenders also
increased in the recent times. In a period of just 11 months 53 extremists
surrendered before the superintendent of police, who included a commander
cadre man, 4 deputy commanders, 18 members and 30 militia members. However
skeptics felt that these are just dubious PRexercises by the police to
turn the natives towards them. “These are just PR exercises taken up by
the police for the benefit of themselves. They are not at all committed
towards the welfare of the villagers,” said a rights activist. However the
Maoists have gunned down at least 4 persons in recent months saying that
they were helping police by leaking key information about their movements.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Kick bottle, get kick with drugs
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, June 16: Tipplers who cannot spare cash to buy a liquor bottle these days are not worried. Two capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon that costs less than Rs 10 gives them an equally good ‘kick’. Many youngsters who get paltry pocket money and cannot buy liquor are now turning towards ‘habit-forming drugs’ available across the counter.
The medical shops too are happy to provide them to the youth even though it is against the law to sell them without prescription and could lead to cancellation of their license. They are also not deterred by the closure of several shops by drug inspectors.
Apart from Spasmo Proxyvon, several other habit-forming drugs are on sale including Corex, Phensedyl, Cofband, Linctuscodeine, Siricodeine, Exiplon, Tusq, Rexcof, Codistar and other codeine phosphate based cough syrups and Fortwin injections. Realising that these medical shops have become "drugstores" in the wrong sense of the word, police has also swung into action.
Recently in a joint operation, the task force police and the Drugs Control Authority caught five college students including one girl who were purchasing Fortwin injections from a medical shop near Appu Ghar on the Beach Road. They also arrested one Vijaya who was selling the injections to the students. The students were taken to the City Police Commissioner, Mr N. Sambasiva Rao, who counselled them and set them free.
"Children tend to develop these habits because of lack of proper parental care," said the commissioner. "Parents have to guide children and also monitor their habits. We will surely curb the sale of these habit-forming drugs. At the same time parents also should take care of their wards." DCA officials have also started conducting regular raids on various pharmacy stockists and retailers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some medical shops in the city and neighbouring Vizianagaram have been involved in the supply of these drugs in huge quantities against rules. Many stockists had supplied huge quantities of Corex, Spasmo Proxyvon and Fortwin to the shops.
"A local retailer in Dwarakanagar sold 14, 073 bottles of Rexcof cough syrup worth Rs 13 lakh in just six months," said Mr R. Udaya Bhaskar, the drug licensing authority of the district.
It was a used bottle found on the Beach Road which prompted the DCA to start an investigation. "We tracked the supplier in Vijayawada in whose records we found that the name of the local retailer," said Mr Bhaskar. After police and DCA started taking stern steps, suppliers of the drugs also changed their modus operandi. They are now dispatching the medicines to obscure medical shops in rural areas. Regular users visit these shops to get their fix.
DCA officials found out that a small medical shop in in Jamadevi village on the national highway near Vizianagaram district sold 16,000 capsules of a habit-forming drug in four months. "This is more than the population of the entire village," said Mr Bhaskar. The DCA cancelled 70 drugs sale licenses and suspended 187 licences in the last financial year. Out of the suspended licences, 85 per cent related to sale of habit-forming drugs. "We come across 10 such cases every month," said Mr Bhaskar. "Last month we launched prosecution against 20 persons."
Visakhapatnam, June 16: Tipplers who cannot spare cash to buy a liquor bottle these days are not worried. Two capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon that costs less than Rs 10 gives them an equally good ‘kick’. Many youngsters who get paltry pocket money and cannot buy liquor are now turning towards ‘habit-forming drugs’ available across the counter.
The medical shops too are happy to provide them to the youth even though it is against the law to sell them without prescription and could lead to cancellation of their license. They are also not deterred by the closure of several shops by drug inspectors.
Apart from Spasmo Proxyvon, several other habit-forming drugs are on sale including Corex, Phensedyl, Cofband, Linctuscodeine, Siricodeine, Exiplon, Tusq, Rexcof, Codistar and other codeine phosphate based cough syrups and Fortwin injections. Realising that these medical shops have become "drugstores" in the wrong sense of the word, police has also swung into action.
Recently in a joint operation, the task force police and the Drugs Control Authority caught five college students including one girl who were purchasing Fortwin injections from a medical shop near Appu Ghar on the Beach Road. They also arrested one Vijaya who was selling the injections to the students. The students were taken to the City Police Commissioner, Mr N. Sambasiva Rao, who counselled them and set them free.
"Children tend to develop these habits because of lack of proper parental care," said the commissioner. "Parents have to guide children and also monitor their habits. We will surely curb the sale of these habit-forming drugs. At the same time parents also should take care of their wards." DCA officials have also started conducting regular raids on various pharmacy stockists and retailers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that some medical shops in the city and neighbouring Vizianagaram have been involved in the supply of these drugs in huge quantities against rules. Many stockists had supplied huge quantities of Corex, Spasmo Proxyvon and Fortwin to the shops.
"A local retailer in Dwarakanagar sold 14, 073 bottles of Rexcof cough syrup worth Rs 13 lakh in just six months," said Mr R. Udaya Bhaskar, the drug licensing authority of the district.
It was a used bottle found on the Beach Road which prompted the DCA to start an investigation. "We tracked the supplier in Vijayawada in whose records we found that the name of the local retailer," said Mr Bhaskar. After police and DCA started taking stern steps, suppliers of the drugs also changed their modus operandi. They are now dispatching the medicines to obscure medical shops in rural areas. Regular users visit these shops to get their fix.
DCA officials found out that a small medical shop in in Jamadevi village on the national highway near Vizianagaram district sold 16,000 capsules of a habit-forming drug in four months. "This is more than the population of the entire village," said Mr Bhaskar. The DCA cancelled 70 drugs sale licenses and suspended 187 licences in the last financial year. Out of the suspended licences, 85 per cent related to sale of habit-forming drugs. "We come across 10 such cases every month," said Mr Bhaskar. "Last month we launched prosecution against 20 persons."
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Minor girl defies forced marriage, runs away to complete inter exam
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 17: A 16-year old girl ran away from her home defying
her parents plans to get her married off and took shelter in a government
home to complete her on going Intermediate examination. She has great
ambition to become a responsible citizen- rather than succumbing to the
family traditions. The defiance is costing her too much. She took all the
examinations under the protection of the police.
Like any other teenager, Priyanka of Malkapuram goes to the college everyday to write her ongoing intermediate first year examinations. But she is accompanied by a policewoman on her way to college, and after the exam she goes home not to her family, but to a women’s' shelter. Not only have the police been aiding her in her ambition, she has also been given asylum in the woman and child welfare department until she completes her intermediate course.
It all began a few weeks ago, when Priyanka's parents sprung the news of
Marriage proposals to her. Determined to complete her education, Priyanka
bluntly refused marriage. But her parents were adamant, and allegedly beat
her up and decided to force her into an illegal alliance. Seeing no way
out, Priyanka made a bid to escape. She slipped out of her house one day
and went straight to the woman and child welfare department. She was
received by project director who is also the protection officer of those
women seek protection related to Domestic Violence.
“Though it’s not a clear cut case of domestic violence, we have to treat
it as one since the girl approached us seeking shelter saying she was
being harassed and forcing marriage on her . The girl is not interested in
a marriage as she wants to continue her education. As she is a minor and
sought help from us we sent her to a shelter where the regular domestic
violence victims are put up. We would support her till she becomes a
major, ” said woman and child welfare department project director A
Roberts.
He adds that the minor was determined to complete her studies and eke out
her own living. After she escaped from her home and started living at the
shelter home near Chinawaltair, the intermediate first year examinations
begun.
Fearing that her parents might take her away with them when she goes out
to write her exam from the examination center, Priyanka approached the III
town police seeking an escort . The police arranged a woman constable who
escorts her daily to the examination center. “I’m determined to study
further. I don’t want to get married at this age. I know the importance of
education. I will join some professional course at the graduation level,”
said Priyanka who would be completing her inter exams on Tuesday in a confident note. She wants to take up part time work to support her education. “I know what I have chose and it’s not easy also. But I am ready to take up this challenge.” she added.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 17: A 16-year old girl ran away from her home defying
her parents plans to get her married off and took shelter in a government
home to complete her on going Intermediate examination. She has great
ambition to become a responsible citizen- rather than succumbing to the
family traditions. The defiance is costing her too much. She took all the
examinations under the protection of the police.
Like any other teenager, Priyanka of Malkapuram goes to the college everyday to write her ongoing intermediate first year examinations. But she is accompanied by a policewoman on her way to college, and after the exam she goes home not to her family, but to a women’s' shelter. Not only have the police been aiding her in her ambition, she has also been given asylum in the woman and child welfare department until she completes her intermediate course.
It all began a few weeks ago, when Priyanka's parents sprung the news of
Marriage proposals to her. Determined to complete her education, Priyanka
bluntly refused marriage. But her parents were adamant, and allegedly beat
her up and decided to force her into an illegal alliance. Seeing no way
out, Priyanka made a bid to escape. She slipped out of her house one day
and went straight to the woman and child welfare department. She was
received by project director who is also the protection officer of those
women seek protection related to Domestic Violence.
“Though it’s not a clear cut case of domestic violence, we have to treat
it as one since the girl approached us seeking shelter saying she was
being harassed and forcing marriage on her . The girl is not interested in
a marriage as she wants to continue her education. As she is a minor and
sought help from us we sent her to a shelter where the regular domestic
violence victims are put up. We would support her till she becomes a
major, ” said woman and child welfare department project director A
Roberts.
He adds that the minor was determined to complete her studies and eke out
her own living. After she escaped from her home and started living at the
shelter home near Chinawaltair, the intermediate first year examinations
begun.
Fearing that her parents might take her away with them when she goes out
to write her exam from the examination center, Priyanka approached the III
town police seeking an escort . The police arranged a woman constable who
escorts her daily to the examination center. “I’m determined to study
further. I don’t want to get married at this age. I know the importance of
education. I will join some professional course at the graduation level,”
said Priyanka who would be completing her inter exams on Tuesday in a confident note. She wants to take up part time work to support her education. “I know what I have chose and it’s not easy also. But I am ready to take up this challenge.” she added.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Mustard can end heavy pollution
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, May 7: The local scientists have found an
easy solution to contain pollution in the garbage. Studies conducted by
them revealed that the Indian mustard, a plant commonly found in
local environment can put an end to the heavy pollution caused by the
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) that piles up in tonnes in big cities and
large towns. In a process of finding wealth from the waste, a group of
environmentalists belonging to the city and West Bengal identified
Indian mustard, locally called as avalu for Phytoremediation of
MSW. Phytoremediation is a low-cost alternative and the systematic use
of plants for environmental contaminant treatment. The complexity
and diversity in composition of Municipal Solid Waste makes it one of the
most important urban sources of pollution, which was posing a major threat
to public health and the environment. It is estimated that the per capita
of MSW generated daily, in India ranges from about 100gm in small towns to
500 gm in large towns. Solid waste management has become a major
environmental issue in India. “The growth in MSW in our urban centers has
outpaced the population growth in recent years. This trend can be ascribed
to our changing lifestyles, food habits, and change in living standards.
The direct use of MSW as a source of organic manure is harmful since
It contains different toxic metals, harmful pathogens and many other
organic and inorganic pollutants that ultimately enter into the human food
chain through plant products” says Dr N Srinivas of Gitam university.
A group of environmentalists headed by Dr N Srinivas conducted some
scientific investigations on Visakhapatnam municipal waste. The group
finally identified a plant which is commonly available in the local
environment. The study group conducted several experiments on hyper
accumulator plant Indian mustard scientifically called as Brassica Juncea.
According to the environmentalist the mustard plant that was dropped in
the solid waste absorbed the high toxic metals that were present in the
waste. In Visakhapatnam every day about 600 to 700 tons of MSW is
generated. The MSW contains heavy metals particularly Zinc, Copper, Led,
Nickel. The sources of these metals in MSW were due to presence of
batteries, e-waste and other modern house hold items. The mustard plants
can be dropped in the solid waste dumping yards. After a few days these
plants can be removed from the yards and make into ashes. Later the ash
can be disposed. “Even though the present process of land filling of the
solid waste by the authorities is good in long run there is every chance
of ground and surface water contamination due to the presence of these
high toxic metals in MSW. And spilling just a small plant will ward off
the future threat of important urban sources of pollution, which was
posing a major threat to public health and the environment. Solid waste
management has become a serious environmental issue these days. And the
solution is a very simple. It is harvesting Indian mustard, which is very
easy and also economical,” said Srinivas.
Ends/SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, May 7: The local scientists have found an
easy solution to contain pollution in the garbage. Studies conducted by
them revealed that the Indian mustard, a plant commonly found in
local environment can put an end to the heavy pollution caused by the
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) that piles up in tonnes in big cities and
large towns. In a process of finding wealth from the waste, a group of
environmentalists belonging to the city and West Bengal identified
Indian mustard, locally called as avalu for Phytoremediation of
MSW. Phytoremediation is a low-cost alternative and the systematic use
of plants for environmental contaminant treatment. The complexity
and diversity in composition of Municipal Solid Waste makes it one of the
most important urban sources of pollution, which was posing a major threat
to public health and the environment. It is estimated that the per capita
of MSW generated daily, in India ranges from about 100gm in small towns to
500 gm in large towns. Solid waste management has become a major
environmental issue in India. “The growth in MSW in our urban centers has
outpaced the population growth in recent years. This trend can be ascribed
to our changing lifestyles, food habits, and change in living standards.
The direct use of MSW as a source of organic manure is harmful since
It contains different toxic metals, harmful pathogens and many other
organic and inorganic pollutants that ultimately enter into the human food
chain through plant products” says Dr N Srinivas of Gitam university.
A group of environmentalists headed by Dr N Srinivas conducted some
scientific investigations on Visakhapatnam municipal waste. The group
finally identified a plant which is commonly available in the local
environment. The study group conducted several experiments on hyper
accumulator plant Indian mustard scientifically called as Brassica Juncea.
According to the environmentalist the mustard plant that was dropped in
the solid waste absorbed the high toxic metals that were present in the
waste. In Visakhapatnam every day about 600 to 700 tons of MSW is
generated. The MSW contains heavy metals particularly Zinc, Copper, Led,
Nickel. The sources of these metals in MSW were due to presence of
batteries, e-waste and other modern house hold items. The mustard plants
can be dropped in the solid waste dumping yards. After a few days these
plants can be removed from the yards and make into ashes. Later the ash
can be disposed. “Even though the present process of land filling of the
solid waste by the authorities is good in long run there is every chance
of ground and surface water contamination due to the presence of these
high toxic metals in MSW. And spilling just a small plant will ward off
the future threat of important urban sources of pollution, which was
posing a major threat to public health and the environment. Solid waste
management has become a serious environmental issue these days. And the
solution is a very simple. It is harvesting Indian mustard, which is very
easy and also economical,” said Srinivas.
Ends/SNV Sudhir
Monday, May 5, 2008
Tribal finds herbal cure for convulsions
By SNV Sudhir
Chintapalli (Vizag Agency), Mar 6: A class IV employee at the regional
agricultural research station of the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural
University (ANGRAU) here Korra Krishna Rao, 50, is no more an ordinary man.
He is now with all excitement after receiving an award from none other the
first citizen of the country president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for his
discovery of a medicine made with two herbs that cures epilepsy which the
modern medicine does not have a solution so far. Krishna Rao, belonging to
Nookadora tribe lives in a remote tribal hamlet of this Agency mandal. And
people living in hundreds of villages in the surrounding Agency mandals know
him very well. Daily people queue up in front of his house to take herbal
medicine from him. National Innovation Foundation (NIF) at Ahmedabad funded
by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Institute, (CSIRI) a
government of India agency that encourages scientific innovations and
discoveries had selected Krishna Rao to honour with the Traditional
knowledge award for developing herbal healing practice to cure epilepsy at
its all India level convention held on Feb 11 and 12 at Delhi where
president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam took part. It all happened when the
regional research station officials submitted a report to the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under its Network Project on Tribal
Crops (NPTC) that Krishna Rao was practicing the herbal healing and was
curing various diseases like epilepsy. NIF team which came to know about the
herbal cure for epilepsy thought it was an innovative discovery and honoured
him with the award.
"I don't know anything about this modern medicine. I just know the
medicinal plants that are available in the forest ranges of the Agency.
Many people come to me and I give them medicine and feel satisfied about
it" said Krishna Rao to this correspondent.
He says that the forest range in Vizag Agency is a treasure of many rare
medicinal plants which is known to very few people. He lists out that the medicinal plants
used in curing various diseases Neelavemu to control diabetes,
Sarpagandhi-Blood Pressure, Joint pains-Pakshi Kannu, Addasaramu-
Tuberculosis. He is more famous in giving medicine to melt stones
accumulated in human kidney. He gives powder made from konda pindi medicinal
plant to melt the stones. Most of the people approach him with the
complaints of diabetes, BP, stones in kidney and convulsions. But when asked
to name the herbs used to make medicine to cure epilepsy permanently,
Krishna Rao maintains silence and said that he will not disclose it as they
are applying to patent it. He adds that weekly once he goes to the hill
ranges in Dara konda, Gudem, Renthada, Pedavalasa, Borra and Anathagiri to
collect these herbs. He sometimes returns after two days once he goes to
collect these plants. He also takes care of the medicinal plants block at
the regional research station of the ANGRAU where around 200 medicinal pants
are being raised. When asked about how he got the knowledge of so many
medicinal plants, Krishna Rao says that at the age of 20 he was associated
with a Guruji for some years who taught him how to make medicines out of the
plants and which plant needed to be suggested according to the disease. He
said that he also learnt identifying the medicinal plant from him only. From
that day onwards he started giving medicines to ailing people who approach
him. "He's a unique man. One needs to appreciate him in curing so many
diseases who just studied till 5th standard. We feel very proud to be
associated with him. People from Vizag also come to him to take medicines. I
know him since 1996" senior scientist of the regional station PVK
Jagannadham, who did his M Tech at IIT Kharagpur. The senior scientist also
said that they have sent a detailed report to the director research at
ANGRAU about the discovery. He added that they would soon apply to patent
the medicine after holding discussions with the director. Jagannadham also
said that there are herbal medicines to cure diabetes and many others but
not to cure epilepsy which Krishna Rao discovered. Until 2002 Krishna Rao
was just a casual labour and later he was promoted as an agricultural
workman. The senior scientist said that samples of the medicine would also
be sent to Indian Medical Research Centre for validation after applying for
patent. "I still remember how my neighbours and people surrounding me used
to avoid me due to my convulsions. But now I'm happy I just took three doses
of medicine from Krishna Rao and got rid of the disease. Now I'm leading a
happy and comfortable life. Thanks to him" said Sattibabu of Chintapalli.
Meanwhile it was learnt that some people had pressurized Krishna Rao to sign
on some blank papers. Locals are suspecting that some people who came to
know about the discovery of the cure might have wanted to get the patent on
their name.
Chintapalli (Vizag Agency), Mar 6: A class IV employee at the regional
agricultural research station of the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural
University (ANGRAU) here Korra Krishna Rao, 50, is no more an ordinary man.
He is now with all excitement after receiving an award from none other the
first citizen of the country president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for his
discovery of a medicine made with two herbs that cures epilepsy which the
modern medicine does not have a solution so far. Krishna Rao, belonging to
Nookadora tribe lives in a remote tribal hamlet of this Agency mandal. And
people living in hundreds of villages in the surrounding Agency mandals know
him very well. Daily people queue up in front of his house to take herbal
medicine from him. National Innovation Foundation (NIF) at Ahmedabad funded
by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Institute, (CSIRI) a
government of India agency that encourages scientific innovations and
discoveries had selected Krishna Rao to honour with the Traditional
knowledge award for developing herbal healing practice to cure epilepsy at
its all India level convention held on Feb 11 and 12 at Delhi where
president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam took part. It all happened when the
regional research station officials submitted a report to the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under its Network Project on Tribal
Crops (NPTC) that Krishna Rao was practicing the herbal healing and was
curing various diseases like epilepsy. NIF team which came to know about the
herbal cure for epilepsy thought it was an innovative discovery and honoured
him with the award.
"I don't know anything about this modern medicine. I just know the
medicinal plants that are available in the forest ranges of the Agency.
Many people come to me and I give them medicine and feel satisfied about
it" said Krishna Rao to this correspondent.
He says that the forest range in Vizag Agency is a treasure of many rare
medicinal plants which is known to very few people. He lists out that the medicinal plants
used in curing various diseases Neelavemu to control diabetes,
Sarpagandhi-Blood Pressure, Joint pains-Pakshi Kannu, Addasaramu-
Tuberculosis. He is more famous in giving medicine to melt stones
accumulated in human kidney. He gives powder made from konda pindi medicinal
plant to melt the stones. Most of the people approach him with the
complaints of diabetes, BP, stones in kidney and convulsions. But when asked
to name the herbs used to make medicine to cure epilepsy permanently,
Krishna Rao maintains silence and said that he will not disclose it as they
are applying to patent it. He adds that weekly once he goes to the hill
ranges in Dara konda, Gudem, Renthada, Pedavalasa, Borra and Anathagiri to
collect these herbs. He sometimes returns after two days once he goes to
collect these plants. He also takes care of the medicinal plants block at
the regional research station of the ANGRAU where around 200 medicinal pants
are being raised. When asked about how he got the knowledge of so many
medicinal plants, Krishna Rao says that at the age of 20 he was associated
with a Guruji for some years who taught him how to make medicines out of the
plants and which plant needed to be suggested according to the disease. He
said that he also learnt identifying the medicinal plant from him only. From
that day onwards he started giving medicines to ailing people who approach
him. "He's a unique man. One needs to appreciate him in curing so many
diseases who just studied till 5th standard. We feel very proud to be
associated with him. People from Vizag also come to him to take medicines. I
know him since 1996" senior scientist of the regional station PVK
Jagannadham, who did his M Tech at IIT Kharagpur. The senior scientist also
said that they have sent a detailed report to the director research at
ANGRAU about the discovery. He added that they would soon apply to patent
the medicine after holding discussions with the director. Jagannadham also
said that there are herbal medicines to cure diabetes and many others but
not to cure epilepsy which Krishna Rao discovered. Until 2002 Krishna Rao
was just a casual labour and later he was promoted as an agricultural
workman. The senior scientist said that samples of the medicine would also
be sent to Indian Medical Research Centre for validation after applying for
patent. "I still remember how my neighbours and people surrounding me used
to avoid me due to my convulsions. But now I'm happy I just took three doses
of medicine from Krishna Rao and got rid of the disease. Now I'm leading a
happy and comfortable life. Thanks to him" said Sattibabu of Chintapalli.
Meanwhile it was learnt that some people had pressurized Krishna Rao to sign
on some blank papers. Locals are suspecting that some people who came to
know about the discovery of the cure might have wanted to get the patent on
their name.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Artistes see no threat from western music
By SNV Sudhir
Rendering the compositions of renowned saints and poets is an unattainable feat for most people. It takes a divine gift.
Classical singers of all ages stand by this tenet. But Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, the renowned musical duo, popularly known as the ‘Priya Sisters’ have created waves in Carnatic music in recent years and delivered the almost impossible with poise and flair.
They feel that only those bestowed with divine blessings can make a mark in the classical music arena.
"It is a divine decision to take up singing. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires a lot of devotion and dedication," said the elder of the duo, Shanmukha Priya.
D. Seshachari and D. Raghavachari, the vocal maestros who are popularly known as the ‘Hyderabad Brothers’ had a similar approach to classical music.
"We agree that it’s purely a divine decision. Classical music, with its rich heritage, never saw downfall at any point of time in history. Different kinds of music come and go, but the Indian classical music remains intact," said Seshachari.
The Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers were in the city recently to take part in the 600th Annamacharya Jayanthi Utsavam conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini and TTD. Sharing a mutual love for classical music, the artistes spoke about the place that Carnatic music has in the present scenario.
Around 114 classical singers belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu including the renowned singers like Priya sisters, Hyderabad Brothers, took part in the six-day Annamacharya music festival. It was conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini, a cultural organisation of the city under the aegis of Sangitha Kalanidhi Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and in connection with the 600th Jayanthi Utsavam of saint poet Annamacharya at Kalabharati auditorium.
The sisters observed that classical singing has re-emerged and is in vogue among the younger generation.
"We can see more youngsters these days showing interest in classical singing than when we started singing in 1991. The power of the age-old Indian classical music retains its undying charm and is attracting youngsters. This charm will never fade," said Hari Priya.
They added that the change in the trend might be due to the increased awareness among the public about other advantages of taking up classical singing.
"Concentration levels increase. Good health, too, is a positive consequence of classic singing. Besides, it creates a soothing effect on the listeners," said the duo.
Being well-appreciated on the national and international circuits, the Priya Sisters have performed widely at concerts in India and abroad, including to the USA, Canada, UK and Mauritius. They have performed in a number of prestigious festivals including Spirit of Unity concerts, Duo festival, Festival of Hyderabad and World Tamil conference.
The Hyderabad Brothers feel that western music, contrary to popular belief, was never a threat to Indian classical music. But they also expressed concern over the dipping interest in the music among people of Andhra Pradesh compared to other southern states. According to these vocal exponents, people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala show greater interest in classical music.
"It is very unfortunate. Many great composers of the yesteryear were from Andhra Pradesh. But at present there are only a few patrons and artistes here. The scenario is entirely different elsewhere in southern India. They pursue classical singing with utter dedication and devotion," said Raghavachari.
They felt that youngsters are being trained only to a certain limit as they are more career-oriented. They are not carrying it forward as singers once had done.
The brothers have the distinction of being one of the most popular vocal duos in Carnatic music today. With remarkable on-stage understanding, knowledge and voices, the Hyderabad Brothers have mastered the art of delivering at Carnatic music concerts.
The utsavam was a riot of music. The audience was enthralled and the maestros, Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers, were thrilled at the richness of their art, a sign perhaps, of the enduring nature of the spirit of Carnatic music.
The musical event was supported by Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, AP Government Department of Cultural Affairs and AP State Cultural Council. The organisers said the objective of the programme was to protect the spirit of classical and devotional music, which is being ignored due to affect of western music and culture.
The festival was inaugurated by Satguru K. Sivananda Murthy of Anandavanam in Bheemili on April 22. Each day the participants rendered Annamacharya sankeertanas. Kalabharathi trustee and convenor of the music festival, V.R. Prasad, said out of the total 32,000 compositions of Annamacharya only 14,000 were available to the public and of the available poems only 1,400 were given tunes by some music composers.
"Of the 1,400 Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and his disciples composed
tunes for 1,100 Annamacharya Sankeertanas. And we are very fortunate to have this festival here being held under the supervision of great classical exponent Nedunuri Krishna Murthy," said Prasad.
Rendering the compositions of renowned saints and poets is an unattainable feat for most people. It takes a divine gift.
Classical singers of all ages stand by this tenet. But Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, the renowned musical duo, popularly known as the ‘Priya Sisters’ have created waves in Carnatic music in recent years and delivered the almost impossible with poise and flair.
They feel that only those bestowed with divine blessings can make a mark in the classical music arena.
"It is a divine decision to take up singing. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires a lot of devotion and dedication," said the elder of the duo, Shanmukha Priya.
D. Seshachari and D. Raghavachari, the vocal maestros who are popularly known as the ‘Hyderabad Brothers’ had a similar approach to classical music.
"We agree that it’s purely a divine decision. Classical music, with its rich heritage, never saw downfall at any point of time in history. Different kinds of music come and go, but the Indian classical music remains intact," said Seshachari.
The Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers were in the city recently to take part in the 600th Annamacharya Jayanthi Utsavam conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini and TTD. Sharing a mutual love for classical music, the artistes spoke about the place that Carnatic music has in the present scenario.
Around 114 classical singers belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu including the renowned singers like Priya sisters, Hyderabad Brothers, took part in the six-day Annamacharya music festival. It was conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini, a cultural organisation of the city under the aegis of Sangitha Kalanidhi Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and in connection with the 600th Jayanthi Utsavam of saint poet Annamacharya at Kalabharati auditorium.
The sisters observed that classical singing has re-emerged and is in vogue among the younger generation.
"We can see more youngsters these days showing interest in classical singing than when we started singing in 1991. The power of the age-old Indian classical music retains its undying charm and is attracting youngsters. This charm will never fade," said Hari Priya.
They added that the change in the trend might be due to the increased awareness among the public about other advantages of taking up classical singing.
"Concentration levels increase. Good health, too, is a positive consequence of classic singing. Besides, it creates a soothing effect on the listeners," said the duo.
Being well-appreciated on the national and international circuits, the Priya Sisters have performed widely at concerts in India and abroad, including to the USA, Canada, UK and Mauritius. They have performed in a number of prestigious festivals including Spirit of Unity concerts, Duo festival, Festival of Hyderabad and World Tamil conference.
The Hyderabad Brothers feel that western music, contrary to popular belief, was never a threat to Indian classical music. But they also expressed concern over the dipping interest in the music among people of Andhra Pradesh compared to other southern states. According to these vocal exponents, people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala show greater interest in classical music.
"It is very unfortunate. Many great composers of the yesteryear were from Andhra Pradesh. But at present there are only a few patrons and artistes here. The scenario is entirely different elsewhere in southern India. They pursue classical singing with utter dedication and devotion," said Raghavachari.
They felt that youngsters are being trained only to a certain limit as they are more career-oriented. They are not carrying it forward as singers once had done.
The brothers have the distinction of being one of the most popular vocal duos in Carnatic music today. With remarkable on-stage understanding, knowledge and voices, the Hyderabad Brothers have mastered the art of delivering at Carnatic music concerts.
The utsavam was a riot of music. The audience was enthralled and the maestros, Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers, were thrilled at the richness of their art, a sign perhaps, of the enduring nature of the spirit of Carnatic music.
The musical event was supported by Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, AP Government Department of Cultural Affairs and AP State Cultural Council. The organisers said the objective of the programme was to protect the spirit of classical and devotional music, which is being ignored due to affect of western music and culture.
The festival was inaugurated by Satguru K. Sivananda Murthy of Anandavanam in Bheemili on April 22. Each day the participants rendered Annamacharya sankeertanas. Kalabharathi trustee and convenor of the music festival, V.R. Prasad, said out of the total 32,000 compositions of Annamacharya only 14,000 were available to the public and of the available poems only 1,400 were given tunes by some music composers.
"Of the 1,400 Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and his disciples composed
tunes for 1,100 Annamacharya Sankeertanas. And we are very fortunate to have this festival here being held under the supervision of great classical exponent Nedunuri Krishna Murthy," said Prasad.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
AP temple celebrates womanhood
By S.N.V. Sudhir
Devipuram (Visakhapatnam): In the temple complex of Devipuram, womanhood is celebrated in more ways than one. The mother goddess is the central deity of the temple and more importantly, the priests are mostly women. These young women, who have chosen priesthood as their vocation, vouch that they feel empowered after studying the scriptures. They have had rigorous training in the Vedas and have been systematically taught all the duties and rights of priests. “There is nothing wrong with women becoming priests,” says Swami Amruthananda of Devipuram. “They have been taught all the mantras.”
The swami points out that Goddess Gayatri or Adi Mata is the deity of the Vedas and this itself gives an indication of the importance of womanhood. “There are no taboos in imparting Vedic knowledge to women or making them priests,” he says. In all, 16 girls from the surrounding villages have completed training and have become adept in the major rituals, Rudram, Smartham, and Shakti Pooja, which are used to conduct pujas for the goddesses, Shyama and Varahi. Apart from conducting daily rituals, the women priests also teach other young women and girls what they have learnt. “This is a revolution of sorts,” says Mr K. Prakasam, an old timer of Devipuram.
“This is the first time that such a thing has happened.” Mr K. Prakasam adds that the young women were performing their task with utmost sincerity and this had earned them the praise of the villagers. Further, the young women have come in from different communities and there is no caste discrimination in choosing them. “I am very happy at this chance,” says Ms Lakshmi, 16, one of the students. “I have always wanted to learn mantras and chant them. It was tough in the beginning, but now it is easy.” Another aspiring priestess, Ms Poornima, sees it as another extension of the concept of equal opportunity.
“We should shed taboos which prohibited women from such tasks,” she adds. Swami Amruthananda says the move has evoked more appreciation than criticism. He is also planning to start a Vedic school exclusively for women where they would be taught scriptures and fine arts such as music and dance.
Devipuram (Visakhapatnam): In the temple complex of Devipuram, womanhood is celebrated in more ways than one. The mother goddess is the central deity of the temple and more importantly, the priests are mostly women. These young women, who have chosen priesthood as their vocation, vouch that they feel empowered after studying the scriptures. They have had rigorous training in the Vedas and have been systematically taught all the duties and rights of priests. “There is nothing wrong with women becoming priests,” says Swami Amruthananda of Devipuram. “They have been taught all the mantras.”
The swami points out that Goddess Gayatri or Adi Mata is the deity of the Vedas and this itself gives an indication of the importance of womanhood. “There are no taboos in imparting Vedic knowledge to women or making them priests,” he says. In all, 16 girls from the surrounding villages have completed training and have become adept in the major rituals, Rudram, Smartham, and Shakti Pooja, which are used to conduct pujas for the goddesses, Shyama and Varahi. Apart from conducting daily rituals, the women priests also teach other young women and girls what they have learnt. “This is a revolution of sorts,” says Mr K. Prakasam, an old timer of Devipuram.
“This is the first time that such a thing has happened.” Mr K. Prakasam adds that the young women were performing their task with utmost sincerity and this had earned them the praise of the villagers. Further, the young women have come in from different communities and there is no caste discrimination in choosing them. “I am very happy at this chance,” says Ms Lakshmi, 16, one of the students. “I have always wanted to learn mantras and chant them. It was tough in the beginning, but now it is easy.” Another aspiring priestess, Ms Poornima, sees it as another extension of the concept of equal opportunity.
“We should shed taboos which prohibited women from such tasks,” she adds. Swami Amruthananda says the move has evoked more appreciation than criticism. He is also planning to start a Vedic school exclusively for women where they would be taught scriptures and fine arts such as music and dance.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Salinity of water causes alarm
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 29: In no time city would turn another Chennai if immediate remedial steps are not taken with the reports of salt-water intrusion into the groundwater coming in from some parts of the city and rural belt. Recently the residents of coastal battery, near collectorate, Kota Veedhi, the Old Post Office and Port areas in I town. Mulakuddu and Nagarapalem, besides, parts of Thagarapuvalasa in the rural areas were surprised to taste water of saline nature instead of fresh groundwater. Chennai is known for its saltwater intrusion two decades ago. The Chennai people have gone in for much groundwater pumping and did not follow the artificial recharge to groundwater. This caused the city a major damage. The people there are now not getting freshwater from the ground. “We were surprised to get saltwater from our well in our backyard instead of freshwater. We never used municipal tap water as our well water tasted good. It was never like this before” said Ramu a resident of coastal battery. Experts pointed out that the saltwater intrusion was due to excess pumping of groundwater and no scope for recharge of the groundwater. Urbanisation has given people a modern outlook in every aspect, including their homes. And there is no space to recharge the groundwater in the houses with every household plastering its compounds in tiles or cement. In advancing places like Vizag, it is natural the water demands remain on the rise and the growing urban populace affects availability of water and depletion in its quality. When freshwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished, a water table draw down sets in with a resulting decrease in the overall hydrostatic pressure. And when this happens near an ocean shoreline, the saltwater from the sea intrudes into the freshwater aquifer. The result is that freshwater supply continues getting saltwater contaminated. “Reckless extraction and overexploitation of very small quantities of groundwater causes a rapid depletion and deterioration in its quantity and quality. Though we have not received any specific complaint about the saltwater intrusion but the coastal battery area is affected with this,” said Ground Water Department deputy director, D Bhima Sankar Rao. Groundwater usage in the district, and in the City, is 34 per cent on the whole. So there is an urgent need to take steps to recharge the groundwater to avoid the impending threat of saltwater intrusion spreading to other areas, he added. The Ground Water Department has been suggesting the local bodies to insist on setting up of recharge structures during constructions of commercial buildings, residential complexes and industrial houses. Once saltwater intrusion takes place, one cannot replace the eventuality. It will persist forever. “One way Visakhapatnam is fortunate due to the hills surrounding the city. These hills protect groundwater. The City residents need to adopt artificial recharge. Awareness of this is essential, and rainwater harvesting needs be followed,” said the senior official. Groundwater can be recharged with rooftop rainwater or even storm run off harvesting through a recharge pit, a recharge trench, tube well and recharge well.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 29: In no time city would turn another Chennai if immediate remedial steps are not taken with the reports of salt-water intrusion into the groundwater coming in from some parts of the city and rural belt. Recently the residents of coastal battery, near collectorate, Kota Veedhi, the Old Post Office and Port areas in I town. Mulakuddu and Nagarapalem, besides, parts of Thagarapuvalasa in the rural areas were surprised to taste water of saline nature instead of fresh groundwater. Chennai is known for its saltwater intrusion two decades ago. The Chennai people have gone in for much groundwater pumping and did not follow the artificial recharge to groundwater. This caused the city a major damage. The people there are now not getting freshwater from the ground. “We were surprised to get saltwater from our well in our backyard instead of freshwater. We never used municipal tap water as our well water tasted good. It was never like this before” said Ramu a resident of coastal battery. Experts pointed out that the saltwater intrusion was due to excess pumping of groundwater and no scope for recharge of the groundwater. Urbanisation has given people a modern outlook in every aspect, including their homes. And there is no space to recharge the groundwater in the houses with every household plastering its compounds in tiles or cement. In advancing places like Vizag, it is natural the water demands remain on the rise and the growing urban populace affects availability of water and depletion in its quality. When freshwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished, a water table draw down sets in with a resulting decrease in the overall hydrostatic pressure. And when this happens near an ocean shoreline, the saltwater from the sea intrudes into the freshwater aquifer. The result is that freshwater supply continues getting saltwater contaminated. “Reckless extraction and overexploitation of very small quantities of groundwater causes a rapid depletion and deterioration in its quantity and quality. Though we have not received any specific complaint about the saltwater intrusion but the coastal battery area is affected with this,” said Ground Water Department deputy director, D Bhima Sankar Rao. Groundwater usage in the district, and in the City, is 34 per cent on the whole. So there is an urgent need to take steps to recharge the groundwater to avoid the impending threat of saltwater intrusion spreading to other areas, he added. The Ground Water Department has been suggesting the local bodies to insist on setting up of recharge structures during constructions of commercial buildings, residential complexes and industrial houses. Once saltwater intrusion takes place, one cannot replace the eventuality. It will persist forever. “One way Visakhapatnam is fortunate due to the hills surrounding the city. These hills protect groundwater. The City residents need to adopt artificial recharge. Awareness of this is essential, and rainwater harvesting needs be followed,” said the senior official. Groundwater can be recharged with rooftop rainwater or even storm run off harvesting through a recharge pit, a recharge trench, tube well and recharge well.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Poultry sector in trouble
By SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 5: Corporate culture and the entry of someinternational players into poultry recently has left thousands of farmersjobless in the three districts of north Andhra. It’s not the Bird Flu butthe entry of MNCs in this sector made 300 poultry farms in north Andhraclose their business.It is estimated that more than 4,000 people, who were dependant on thesefarms till recently, have now turned agricultural labourers to eke outtheir living. The new companies are offering chicken and other poultryproducts at cheaper rates with the newly introduced Integrated system bythem in the farming. “The age old private poultry farming vanishedcompletely. The ancient structure of poultry industry like farmersinvesting for farming and rearing the bird is gone. These big players andinternational firms have disturbed this trend. They are investing moneyand getting bulk work done on contract basis. Now thousands of poultryworkers and farmers are on roads,” said BroMark district president PSeshagiri Rao.Apart from the getting work done on contract basis these big players areadaopting-alluring techniques to encourage traders to sell more and morechicken and other poultry products. These companies are offering trips toforeign countries like Singapore, Malaysia and others, gold coins if theylift 2,000 to 3,000 kilos of chicken each day. These traders are buyingchicken in larger quantities at lesser prices and supplying it to smallershops at competitive prices at which these petty farmers are unable tosupply. “Its not the bird flu scare that affected the poultry industry inthese three districts but unhealthy trend of farming on contract basis,bulk purchases, branding the product, integrated system adapted by somebig players as part of their corporate culture that entered in the fieldand some international players getting in spoiled the entire industry. Noone is coming forward to help us. Our repeated pleas to the governmentfalling on deaf ears, ” said Rao.“I don’t mind whether the chicken is from a private farmer or supplied bya MNC I just see the benefits I get out of it. Apart from good money Ihave an opportunity to visit foreign countries, which I dreamt of them.That’s how I’m selling their chicken,” said a chicken trader who justreturned from a junket to Singapore organized by a Corporate Houserecently.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 5: Corporate culture and the entry of someinternational players into poultry recently has left thousands of farmersjobless in the three districts of north Andhra. It’s not the Bird Flu butthe entry of MNCs in this sector made 300 poultry farms in north Andhraclose their business.It is estimated that more than 4,000 people, who were dependant on thesefarms till recently, have now turned agricultural labourers to eke outtheir living. The new companies are offering chicken and other poultryproducts at cheaper rates with the newly introduced Integrated system bythem in the farming. “The age old private poultry farming vanishedcompletely. The ancient structure of poultry industry like farmersinvesting for farming and rearing the bird is gone. These big players andinternational firms have disturbed this trend. They are investing moneyand getting bulk work done on contract basis. Now thousands of poultryworkers and farmers are on roads,” said BroMark district president PSeshagiri Rao.Apart from the getting work done on contract basis these big players areadaopting-alluring techniques to encourage traders to sell more and morechicken and other poultry products. These companies are offering trips toforeign countries like Singapore, Malaysia and others, gold coins if theylift 2,000 to 3,000 kilos of chicken each day. These traders are buyingchicken in larger quantities at lesser prices and supplying it to smallershops at competitive prices at which these petty farmers are unable tosupply. “Its not the bird flu scare that affected the poultry industry inthese three districts but unhealthy trend of farming on contract basis,bulk purchases, branding the product, integrated system adapted by somebig players as part of their corporate culture that entered in the fieldand some international players getting in spoiled the entire industry. Noone is coming forward to help us. Our repeated pleas to the governmentfalling on deaf ears, ” said Rao.“I don’t mind whether the chicken is from a private farmer or supplied bya MNC I just see the benefits I get out of it. Apart from good money Ihave an opportunity to visit foreign countries, which I dreamt of them.That’s how I’m selling their chicken,” said a chicken trader who justreturned from a junket to Singapore organized by a Corporate Houserecently.
Vizagites ready to ride the waves at Rushikonda
SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 14: If you have always envied surfboard enthusiasts who seem to tame the waves of the sea with their skilful maneuvering but don't quite find the beaches of Vizag as appealing as those of Miami or Hawaii or our own beach paradise Goa, a pleasant surprise awaits you. Regulars at the Rushikonda beach did a double take at the rare sight of a surfer riding the majestic waves. Vizag, known as the jewel on the Coromandel Coast will soon turn a Hawaii, the place known for sea surfing if the sport taken in full swing.
For the adventure freaks of Vizag, Lebahian Sebastian from Reunion Island, a French province, brings the perfect ocean adventure -sea surfing at Rushikonda beach. The beach is considered as one of the best places for sea surfing in the world.
"Wow this is a wonderful place for surfing. I have been to Hawaii, Mauritius and many other places and Rushikonda stands out as ideal for sea surfing. It's the clean sand surface here that makes surfing exciting and easy. Besides, it is safer than many other places since there are no sharp edged rocks and rough surfaces," says Lebihan Sebastian who runs Oxbow Surf School in the island in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius.
Sebastian and his wife Lebihan Marine chose to spend a five-week holiday on Rushikonda beach after they came to know about the place from some sea surfing enthusiasts on the Internet. Now they wish to give surfing lessons to some of the locals to promote the sport.
The couple has started a sea surfing demonstration camp in association with Visakha Water Sports Club for the benefit of Vizagites on Friday and the camp will be on till March 20. The adrenaline rush that surfing promises is something else altogether, says the couple.
"Surfing is fun and adventurous. It's easy too. Just take a surfboard, tie the leash, get out and hit the waves. You feel like you are flying in the air above the waters while going by the waves. And the cool breeze here, the serene beauty surrounded by hills give a pleasant and natural pristine experience," Sebastian says. Sebastian's wife Marine adds that until 10 years ago, sea surfers in their island were only a few hundred but now they are in thousands. "The 80km stretch of sea coast of our island has now became crowded. We were in search for another best sea surfing destination and a friend from France suggested Rushikonda. This is indeed one of the best beaches I have seen in India and across the globe," says Marine.
When asked what a person needs to start riding the waves, Sebastian says, "Swimming experience and little bit of confidence with enthusiasm to do something thrilling are enough to hit the waves with a surfboard. We feel like floating on the waters while going into the sea to catch the 11th or 12th wave, which has the power to carry the sea surfers. After that it's like flying in the air."
" I feel like I have conquered the sea by riding the waves. I am on top of the world," says Gabiale, a Standard 11 student who just learnt surfing from Sebastian. The sea surfing master who has many international accolades in the sport also manufactures sea surfboards at his island. He gave two surfboards to the local club.
"Some of our boys are already well-trained, courtesy Sebastian. They will pass on these lessons to other local enthusiasts, says Prof NAV Reddy of the Visakha Water Sports Club. The organisers are now planning to conduct more such camps in future. "I know Rushikonda has always that potential to have water sports. If slowly, sea surfing activity catches up here in no time Rushikonda would become perfect global destination for this activity," says Vinay, who works for a local BPO.
“A French team already identified Mangamaripeta and Rushikonda beaches as best places for sea surfing. Mangamaripeta has the 800mts wave, the longest world” says Visakha Valley school principal, Sharada Reddy, an water sports enthusiast. Earlier the sea was dotted with only fishing boats but now slowly hobie catboats, sea kayaks are being seen and latest the surfboards.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 14: If you have always envied surfboard enthusiasts who seem to tame the waves of the sea with their skilful maneuvering but don't quite find the beaches of Vizag as appealing as those of Miami or Hawaii or our own beach paradise Goa, a pleasant surprise awaits you. Regulars at the Rushikonda beach did a double take at the rare sight of a surfer riding the majestic waves. Vizag, known as the jewel on the Coromandel Coast will soon turn a Hawaii, the place known for sea surfing if the sport taken in full swing.
For the adventure freaks of Vizag, Lebahian Sebastian from Reunion Island, a French province, brings the perfect ocean adventure -sea surfing at Rushikonda beach. The beach is considered as one of the best places for sea surfing in the world.
"Wow this is a wonderful place for surfing. I have been to Hawaii, Mauritius and many other places and Rushikonda stands out as ideal for sea surfing. It's the clean sand surface here that makes surfing exciting and easy. Besides, it is safer than many other places since there are no sharp edged rocks and rough surfaces," says Lebihan Sebastian who runs Oxbow Surf School in the island in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius.
Sebastian and his wife Lebihan Marine chose to spend a five-week holiday on Rushikonda beach after they came to know about the place from some sea surfing enthusiasts on the Internet. Now they wish to give surfing lessons to some of the locals to promote the sport.
The couple has started a sea surfing demonstration camp in association with Visakha Water Sports Club for the benefit of Vizagites on Friday and the camp will be on till March 20. The adrenaline rush that surfing promises is something else altogether, says the couple.
"Surfing is fun and adventurous. It's easy too. Just take a surfboard, tie the leash, get out and hit the waves. You feel like you are flying in the air above the waters while going by the waves. And the cool breeze here, the serene beauty surrounded by hills give a pleasant and natural pristine experience," Sebastian says. Sebastian's wife Marine adds that until 10 years ago, sea surfers in their island were only a few hundred but now they are in thousands. "The 80km stretch of sea coast of our island has now became crowded. We were in search for another best sea surfing destination and a friend from France suggested Rushikonda. This is indeed one of the best beaches I have seen in India and across the globe," says Marine.
When asked what a person needs to start riding the waves, Sebastian says, "Swimming experience and little bit of confidence with enthusiasm to do something thrilling are enough to hit the waves with a surfboard. We feel like floating on the waters while going into the sea to catch the 11th or 12th wave, which has the power to carry the sea surfers. After that it's like flying in the air."
" I feel like I have conquered the sea by riding the waves. I am on top of the world," says Gabiale, a Standard 11 student who just learnt surfing from Sebastian. The sea surfing master who has many international accolades in the sport also manufactures sea surfboards at his island. He gave two surfboards to the local club.
"Some of our boys are already well-trained, courtesy Sebastian. They will pass on these lessons to other local enthusiasts, says Prof NAV Reddy of the Visakha Water Sports Club. The organisers are now planning to conduct more such camps in future. "I know Rushikonda has always that potential to have water sports. If slowly, sea surfing activity catches up here in no time Rushikonda would become perfect global destination for this activity," says Vinay, who works for a local BPO.
“A French team already identified Mangamaripeta and Rushikonda beaches as best places for sea surfing. Mangamaripeta has the 800mts wave, the longest world” says Visakha Valley school principal, Sharada Reddy, an water sports enthusiast. Earlier the sea was dotted with only fishing boats but now slowly hobie catboats, sea kayaks are being seen and latest the surfboards.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Left jittery after Maoist threat
BY SNV Sudhir
Visakhapatnam, Mar 7: The CPI Maoists' allies in principle, the cadresof CPI and CPM in the district were whiplashed into action this week, by adevelopment not seen in nearly a decade after they received an ultimatumfrom CPI Maoist East Division Committee Secretary Jagadish. The EastDivision Committee comprises the extremists teams of East Godavari,Visakhapatnamm Vizianagaram and Srikakulam part of the Andhra OrissaBorder Zonal Committee (AOBZC ).The letter was a shock to the leftist leaders, who had been thought to bewell away from the Maoists' bite. The letter was addressed to CPI MLADemudu representing Chintapalli Agency assembly constituency, Koyyuru MPPB Ramarajyam and G K Veedhi Sarpanch K Balaram of CPM. The message wasclearly a chastisement to the leaders, accusing them of 'lackingdedication in the cause', and diluting essential principles that protectedthe people. A more dangerous accusation was that the leaders wereresponsible for the increase in surrenders that were taking place, andthat the movement was being diluted by the lack of their enthusiasm.In the comprehensive warning, two issues were raised by Jagadish - Bauxitemining and the not taking up agitations against the arrests of innocenttribals by the police branding them as sympathizers of naxals. Accordingto the letter, the local leaders had been sitting on the Bauxite issue fortoo long without proactive measures, while the government has been pilingon the necessary procedures towards the mining and the setting up ofaluminium refineries.In fact, the leaders themselves had admitted that the fight against mininghad been sidetracked by other issues for a spell. Jagadish claimed thatseveral local innocents were being held by police, and that the victimswere later branded sympathizers. He urged the Left to take up cudgelsagainst the police in this regard. Soon after the warnings the CPIdistrict unit under the aegis of the Chintapalli MLA Demudu laid siege theRDO office in Narsipatnam demanding the police to stop arresting innocenttribals branding them as naxal sympathizers. The Leftists are panic as theMaoists are on a killing spree since a few months.In just a period of three months the extremists killed 10 tribals for‘working’ in compliance with police and encouraging tribals. “It is truethat they have sent a warning asking us to take up issues seriously. Wewould definitely take up the bauxite issues and others seriously. This islike a jolt for us in recent times. Until now they have targeted andkilled only other political party leaders,” confessed a senior CPI leaderof Andhra. On the part of CPM they have launched a fresh series of ‘padayatras’ opposing the bauxite mining in the Agency areas on Monday.They vowed to intensify the agitation further in the coming days. Eightyears ago, CPI State council member Meka Suribabu, CPI District CommitteeMember K V Subbarao and CPI District Committee Member Nooki Naidu werekilled by Maoists at intervals of a year. The ghosts of these incidentshave begun to haunt those in power, and left activities have received astrong shot in the arm.
Visakhapatnam, Mar 7: The CPI Maoists' allies in principle, the cadresof CPI and CPM in the district were whiplashed into action this week, by adevelopment not seen in nearly a decade after they received an ultimatumfrom CPI Maoist East Division Committee Secretary Jagadish. The EastDivision Committee comprises the extremists teams of East Godavari,Visakhapatnamm Vizianagaram and Srikakulam part of the Andhra OrissaBorder Zonal Committee (AOBZC ).The letter was a shock to the leftist leaders, who had been thought to bewell away from the Maoists' bite. The letter was addressed to CPI MLADemudu representing Chintapalli Agency assembly constituency, Koyyuru MPPB Ramarajyam and G K Veedhi Sarpanch K Balaram of CPM. The message wasclearly a chastisement to the leaders, accusing them of 'lackingdedication in the cause', and diluting essential principles that protectedthe people. A more dangerous accusation was that the leaders wereresponsible for the increase in surrenders that were taking place, andthat the movement was being diluted by the lack of their enthusiasm.In the comprehensive warning, two issues were raised by Jagadish - Bauxitemining and the not taking up agitations against the arrests of innocenttribals by the police branding them as sympathizers of naxals. Accordingto the letter, the local leaders had been sitting on the Bauxite issue fortoo long without proactive measures, while the government has been pilingon the necessary procedures towards the mining and the setting up ofaluminium refineries.In fact, the leaders themselves had admitted that the fight against mininghad been sidetracked by other issues for a spell. Jagadish claimed thatseveral local innocents were being held by police, and that the victimswere later branded sympathizers. He urged the Left to take up cudgelsagainst the police in this regard. Soon after the warnings the CPIdistrict unit under the aegis of the Chintapalli MLA Demudu laid siege theRDO office in Narsipatnam demanding the police to stop arresting innocenttribals branding them as naxal sympathizers. The Leftists are panic as theMaoists are on a killing spree since a few months.In just a period of three months the extremists killed 10 tribals for‘working’ in compliance with police and encouraging tribals. “It is truethat they have sent a warning asking us to take up issues seriously. Wewould definitely take up the bauxite issues and others seriously. This islike a jolt for us in recent times. Until now they have targeted andkilled only other political party leaders,” confessed a senior CPI leaderof Andhra. On the part of CPM they have launched a fresh series of ‘padayatras’ opposing the bauxite mining in the Agency areas on Monday.They vowed to intensify the agitation further in the coming days. Eightyears ago, CPI State council member Meka Suribabu, CPI District CommitteeMember K V Subbarao and CPI District Committee Member Nooki Naidu werekilled by Maoists at intervals of a year. The ghosts of these incidentshave begun to haunt those in power, and left activities have received astrong shot in the arm.
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