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 In scientific terms, when freshwater is withdrawn at a faster rate than it can be replenished, the water table drawdown sets in with a resultant decrease in the overall hydrostatic pressure.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."
Monday, September 8, 2008
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."
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