Dy CM fiery assurance to Uppada fishermen

In a strongly worded address at Uppada, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan vowed to stand with the fishing community and deliver a definitive solution to the coastal pollution crisis. “If I cannot ensure justice to you, I will walk away from politics,” he declared before a large gathering of fishermen.

Pawan Kalyan visited Kakinada Collectorate on Thursday to meet fishermen from Uppada and government officials. The meeting came days after a large-scale protest by fishermen demanding action against unchecked industrial waste polluting the sea and damaging fish wealth. The Deputy CM assured them of a concrete action plan within 100 days.

“I will return in three days and go out to sea by boat to see the pollution myself,” he said. “I have ordered a comprehensive pollution audit. If I fail to bring change, I do not deserve to stay in power.”

Pawan Kalyan announced that a ₹323 crore sea protection wall project has already received in-principle approval from the Centre. A high-level meeting will be held on October 14 to finalise plans. He said the government would follow a model similar to Telangana in ensuring industries treat their effluents before discharge.

“This issue isn’t just about Uppada, this will become a Pithapuram model for the entire state,” he said, promising a state-wide pollution control plan. 

He warned fishermen not to fall prey to political leaders who use them to threaten industries and assured them that their livelihoods will be safeguarded.

“I did not come here as Deputy CM or MLA. I came here as one among you,” he said. “Your pain is mine. I will not make empty promises. I will act.”

He further emphasised that the committee to be set up will include environmental experts, fisheries officials, industry representatives and local stakeholders to ensure complete transparency. A timeline will be fixed for every stage of the pollution control plan, with strict monitoring of effluent discharge points. He also assured the gathering that industries violating environmental norms would face stringent legal and financial action.

Pawan Kalyan highlighted the crucial role of the aqua sector, which generates ₹1.3 lakh crore annually and provides employment to nearly 3.72 lakh people. He emphasised that industrial growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand.

Along with coastal protection, Pawan Kalyan assured that compensation mechanisms for affected communities would also be addressed. “The coastal protection wall will be completed during my tenure,” he promised. The meeting was attended by MP Tangella Uday Srinivas, MLC Karri Padmashree, MLA Vanamadi Kondababu, and senior local leaders from Jana Sena Party and Telugu Desam Party.