SRIKAKULAM: The fishermen, who have been protesting against the proposed 2,640-MW thermal power plant by East Coast Energy Private Limited in Santabommali mandal of the district, are now gearing up to launch another agitation against sand mining in 1,000 acres along Bhavanapadu coast by Trimex Sands Private Limited (TSPL).TSPL, which is running a mineral deposit processing unit in Gara mandal, has come up with the proposal to operate a new unit at Bhavanapadu in Santa Bommali, where sand mining is proposed to be taken up along 17.95 km coast. Before TSPL goes for an environmental clearance for the unit, public hearing is scheduled to be held on August 11.Ahead of the public hearing, fisherfolk and residents of about 40 villages in Santabommali, Vajrapu Kotturu and Palasa mandals, which come within the mining area, are gearing up to start the protest. The locals supported by Bhavanapadu Thermal Vyatriekha Porata Samithi recently held a meeting and decided to oppose the project unitedly.“Since our livelihood is already under threat due to the thermal power plant, we will not allow TSPL project, which will cause beach erosion, to take off", said Kutro, a leader of Sri Jagannath Inland Fisherman Association.When sand extraction takes place along 17.95 km of coastline, how can the fishermen go for fishing, he questioned.Bhavanapadu Thermal Vyatirekha Porata Samithi president M Narasinga Rao said opponents of all power and nuclear projects in the district have extended their support to fight against the TSPL project.However, speaking to Express, Chief Operational Officer of TSPL Ch GVK Murthy said there will be no threat to livelihood of tribals by the project. "Since we are assuring eco-friendly operation, there is no need to panic about livelihood of the locals,” said Murthy.
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