News

Protest against shipbreaking yard in Kakinada increases

Amsterdam, July 12, 2005 - Over 7.500 people from 106 countries showed their support for the Greenpeace cyberaction to save the beautiful beach of Kakinada (East India) from turning into a dirty shipbreaking yard.

The support for the local fishermen against the establishment of a new shipbreaking beach is mobilising an increasing number of people and associations. The surprisingly diverse coalition consists of the Fisherman Association of Kakinada, a Local Member of Parliament from Kakinada, the Rate Payers Association, the All India Shrimp Hatcheries Association (Kakinada Regional Chapter), Citizen Forum of Kakinada, Kakinada Chambers of Commerce, Student Union of Kakinada, the NGOs Gamana, Pallesiri and Sama Sangivini, the Telephone Users Association from the region and ofcourse local villagers.

Mr. M. Pallam Raju (Member of Parliament from Kakinada) along with some of the above mentioned groups passed a resolution on June 19 saying: " Shipbreaking unit at Kakinada will have disastrous consequences on marine ecosystem besides leading to many other social and economic problems". They have also petitioned the State government by sending a letter on the issue.

Due to all the protests the Andhra Pradesh authorities commissioned a study. The study advised AGAINST the shipbreaking beach in Kakinada. That is good news for the fishermen, the beaches and the nearby Coringa magrove nature reserve. However, because of the political situation in India, protests against the establishment of a shipbreaking beach in Kakinada remain necessary. We will keep you updated!

The cyberaction is also aimed at European Union, as Europe decided to phase out single hull oil tankers without taking care of the issue of shipbreaking. Shipbreaking was discussed in the EU Environment and Transport Council at the end of June. It was for the very first time that the member states were unanimous in their position on shipbreaking.

Links:
- More on Kakinada beach