Prakasam district officials have renewed efforts to establish a fishing harbour by proposing land acquisition in the villages of Pinnikavaripalem, Rangayapalem, and surrounding areas. The original project was planned for K. Pallepalem in Kothapatnam mandal during the tenure of the previous government. However, significant delays occurred due to strong local opposition and concerns about environmental impacts.
The K. Pallepalem site, located close to residential zones along the coast, had raised alarm among locals. Residents feared that construction activities might worsen storm surge risks and negatively affect their homes. This community backlash, coupled with environmental worries, caused the project to be put on hold for the last two years.
Following a recent change in government, the focus has now shifted to Pinnikavaripalem, a nearby village. Fisheries department officials have stated that the construction of the fishing harbour will soon begin. Meanwhile, revenue officials have already identified the necessary land to support the development of onshore infrastructure for the project.
Former joint collector K. Srinivasulu and RDO Visweswara Rao conducted inspections of the proposed new site to evaluate its viability for the harbour. According to sources, groundwork for the project, including the creation of essential infrastructure on both land and sea, is expected to start soon.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
