The Hindu Business Line : Wrangle over location of deepwater port in AP

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Machilipatnam Jan 25 The State Government's proposal to construct a deepwater port in this historic coastal town, the headquarters of Krishna district popularly known as Bandar, has been welcomed by one and all, but the location of the proposed new port has kicked up a major controversy.

Though it has not been officially announced, it has become known that the State Government wants to locate the new deepwater port at Goguleru, on the border of Krishna and West Godavari districts, as it is more suitable for construction of a deepwater port and it requires less dredging than Gilakaladindi where port-related activities have always been carried out historically.

Currently, there is a fishing harbour at Gilakaladindi and some port-related infrastructure has been developed there in recent times.

STIFF OPPOSITION

The opposition Telugu Desam Party, as well as several local organisations and prominent individuals, have expressed themselves against the proposed move of the Government to shift the location of deepwater port from Gilakaladindi to Goguleru.

(Both locations are in Krishna district. Goguleru is 35 km away from Bandar, whereas Gilakaladindi is only 15 km away. However, more than the distance, the local people seem to be swayed by the historical and emotional associations.) Telugu Desam has threatened to launch an agitation over the issue. Local TDP leaders allege that there is no substance in the technical reasons being cited by the State Government for shifting the location.

It is said that the State Government has based its decision on the technical report prepared by RITES.

In a bid to assuage the feelings of the local people, the State Government has come up with the suggestion that the new port will be named Bandar Port even though it is shifted from its current spot. But the suggestion has been rejected by the TDP and the local people.

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