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.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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.
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