BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao takes up long pending issue of Thungalam gate with BHEL’s new Chairman and demands immediate opening of the BHEL-HPVP gate in Visakhapatnam
GVL calls Thungalam gate opening involves self-respect of Thungalam people who donated lands for HPVP plant
To resolve a long pending issue of Thungalam people of Gajuwaka assembly in Visakhapatnam, BJP MP Shri GVL Narasimha Rao met the new Chairman and Managing Director of BHEL K. Sadashiv Murthy garu and urged him to take steps to open the BHEL-HPVP gate on Thungalam village side for the convenience of people belonging to Thungalam, Chukkavanipalem, Jaggarajupeta, Pakhir Takya and Siddharthanagar in Gajuwaka assembly of Visakhapatnam city.
In a letter submitted to the Chairman of BHEL, MP GVL stated that since year 2000, people of the above villages have been denied vehicular access to the road leading to the National Highway (NH-16) and Gajuwaka area. Even in emergencies, ambulances, school autos and other vehicles are not allowed from these villages as the main gate remains permanently closed, MP GVL informed.
Stating he had personally visited the Thungalam area and HPVP plant recently, MP GVL Narasimha Rao stated that the reasons cited for the closure of the main gate are inappropriate. “How could the general public from NH 16 and Gajuwaka have 24×7 access to public facilities like a bank, post office and school in the twonship but people of Thungalam who donated lands (393 acres) for the plant are barred entry citing national security/ safety? This is extremely hurtful and insensitive to the needs of villagers,” MP GVL Narasimha Rao observed.
Stating that the people from Thungalam and other villages have approached him for resolving this long pending issue, MP GVL Narasimha Rao has urged Chairman, BHEL to withdraw petition filed by the company in the District Court and give instructions to the BHEL-HPVP unit in Visakhapatnam to open the main gate on Thungalam side for the benefit of villagers.
After the meeting, MP GVL Narasimha Rao expressed satisfaction at the positive response of the Chairman, BHEL who has immediately sought a report from the senior officials on the matter.
MP GVL Narasimha Rao stated that he will ensure that this matter is resolved at the earliest as opening of the main gate is not just a matter of convenience for people of Thungalam, but also involves “self respect and pride” of people of Thungalam and neighboring villages.