Tension continues to grip Rajayyapeta village in Nakkapalli mandal, under the Payakaraopeta Assembly Constituency, ahead of the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) proposed ‘Chalo Rajayyapeta’ protest on October 22. The programme is being organised to express solidarity with local fishermen opposing the proposed Bulk Drug Park in Anakapalli district.
Amid the tense situation, a heavy police presence has been deployed in the village to maintain law and order. Authorities have imposed Section 30 of the Police Act, and the police have been conducting route marches in the surrounding areas. Entry into the village is being regulated, with checkpoints set up at various locations. The police are reportedly insisting on prior permission for outsiders to enter the village.
Fishermen opposing the project allege that the proposed bulk drug park could severely impact their livelihoods and pose serious environmental risks to the coastal region. They have been demanding that the State government completely withdraw the project.
The unrest has been simmering for weeks. Earlier, villagers blocked the convoy of Home Minister V. Anitha, and more recently, BCY leader B. Ramachandra Yadav was reportedly prevented from meeting the protestors. In response, villagers staged a demonstration blocking National Highway-16.
YSRCP Anakapalli district president Gudivada Amarnath said that during a recent visit to the district by party president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, members of the protesting fishing community met him and received assurances of support.
“Acting on the former Chief Minister’s call, YSRCP leaders from across the erstwhile Visakhapatnam district will visit Rajayyapeta to express solidarity with the fishermen. We will convey their concerns to the State government,” Mr. Amarnath told the media.
Published – October 19, 2025 07:14 pm IST
