The Hindu Business Line : Decision on ship-breaking units after consultations: AP Minister

`We will take into account the environmental implications of such a move in view of the objections raised by ecologists and the apprehensions of the local fishermen.'

Kakinada , Sept. 14

THE State Government is in no hurry to accord permission to ship-breaking units along the coast here and a final decision will be taken only after consulting the experts and all affected parties, taking into account the welfare of the fishermen community, Mr J. Ramamohana Rao, the Minister for Roads and Buildings, has said.

This assurance was given by him at an all-party meeting on the contentious issue here on Monday evening. The Minister took pains to impress on the audience that the Government had taken up the proposal for establishment of ship-breaking only with the purpose of helping the local fishermen community by generating large-scale employment. "However, we will take into account the environmental implications of such a move in view of the objections raised by ecologists and the apprehensions of the local fishermen that the toxic substances from the ships will affect the marine organisms. We have been given to understand that certain new techniques have been developed to detoxify the ships before they are dismantled and that precautions can be taken to prevent pollution. We have an open mind on the issue,'' he said.

Mr M. Gopalakrishna, the MLA of Kakinada, belonging to the ruling Congress party, and others said that the Government should take into account all aspects and take a balanced decision in view of the large-scale employment potential and possibilities of ship-breaking. "It should create jobs for the local fishermen on a large scale and the environmental safeguards should be taken," he said.

However, conspicuous by his absence was Mr Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao, the former MLA of Kakinada and the Telugu Desam leader leading the campaign against the proposal.

He sent a letter to the Minister stating that there was no point in holding such meetings without the representatives of fishermen who would be affected by ship-breaking. The Government should first hear their views..

He sent a copy of the letter to the district collector too. The Minister said he would convey the views of the participants to the Chief Minister.

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