Sat Oct 04 13:31:04 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Zilla Parishad (ZP) general body meeting in Visakhapatnam saw strong opposition to a proposed hydropower project in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district from ZPTC members. Concerns were raised about environmental damage, the displacement of tribal communities, and the project’s adverse effects on farmers. Members also highlighted issues with the quality and distribution of free seeds, delayed payments to farmers from the Govada sugar factory, and the lack of ambulances in the Atchutapuram industrial zone. The need to upgrade healthcare facilities in tribal areas was also emphasized, and a resolution was passed against the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

**News Article:**

**Hydropower Project Faces Opposition in ASR District; ZP Meeting Addresses Farmers’ Woes**

**Visakhapatnam, October 4, 2025** – The Zilla Parishad (ZP) general body meeting in Visakhapatnam was dominated by concerns over a proposed hydropower project in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, with several ZPTC members voicing strong opposition.

D. Gangaraju, ZPTC from Ananthagiri, expressed fears that the project would lead to environmental degradation, negatively impact tribal communities, and harm farmers’ livelihoods. He demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing survey. This sentiment was echoed by other members, who reported strong opposition to the project from the local tribal population. ZP Chairperson J. Subhadra stated that a resolution had already been sent to the government addressing the issue.

The meeting also addressed concerns from the farming community. Several ZPTC members reported that free seeds distributed to farmers were of poor quality and infested with pests. Additionally, discrepancies in the distribution of seeds were reported. Agricultural officials assured the assembly that quality seeds were available and would be distributed effectively.

ZPTC members from Buchiyyapeta mandal raised the issue of delayed payments to farmers associated with the Govada sugar factory in Anakapalli district. They highlighted the dependence of approximately 25,000 farmers on the factory and demanded immediate settlement of dues and fair prices for their produce.

In Anakapalli, ZPTC members highlighted the inadequate number of ambulances in Atchutapuram mandal, an industrial zone, leading to preventable deaths from industrial accidents. They called for increased safety measures and resources in the area.

The meeting concluded with a call to upgrade healthcare facilities, particularly Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs), in tribal areas like Paderu and ASR districts, and a resolution opposing the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP).

The meeting was attended by YSRCP MLC Botcha Satyanarayana, MLC Varudu Kalyani, Araku MLA R. Matsyalingam, Joint Collector K. Mayur Ashok, Anakapalli Joint Collector M. Jahnavi, and other dignitaries.

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