Anakapalli fishermen protest against proposed Bulk drug park at Nakkapalli

I n a firm stance supporting local livelihoods, YS Sharmila, President of the AP Congress committee, has extended full backing to the fishermen protesting the proposed Bulk Drug Park at Nakkapalli, in Anakapalli district. The move comes amid growing unrest among locals, who fear that the project could lead to severe air and water pollution, health hazards, and loss of livelihood.

The fishermen have been holding sustained protests, demanding that the Andhra Pradesh government reconsider the location of the drug park. They have highlighted risks of cancer, environmental degradation, and disruption to marine life if the project goes ahead without proper safeguards.

YS Sharmila has urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and local MLAs to take the concerns seriously. She called for the immediate formation of a high-level committee to review the environmental and social impact of the project and advocated for an all-party consultation to reach a resolution that protects both development and local welfare.

“Industries cannot be set up at the cost of people’s lives and livelihoods,” Sharmila said, emphasizing that the government must act in favor of public interest. She reiterated that the Andhra Pradesh Congress Party and other stakeholders must ensure that fishermen’s voices are heard before any further progress on the park.

The Nakkapalli Bulk Drug Park, approved by the Union Government of India under the Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks Scheme, is planned over approximately 2,000 acres in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The project is estimated to cost around ₹1,200 crore, with the Centre providing grant-in-aid support for infrastructure development. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) is the implementing agency, and the park aims to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, particularly Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The project includes provisions for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems and a Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) to manage chemical waste and mitigate environmental impact

This project creates significant employment and investment opportunities for the state. For the nation, it is expected to strengthen self-reliance in the pharma sector, enhance exports, and contribute to industrial growth.However, local fishermen have expressed serious concerns about air and water contamination, threats to marine life, health risks, and potential loss of livelihood, prompting political leaders like YS Sharmila to urge the government to review the project’s location and involve all stakeholders. If the industry can be developed while effectively minimizing environmental harm, it can create a win-win situation, balancing economic growth with the protection of local communities and the ecosystem.