THE CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh committee organised 'Polavaram Poru Keka', a 380 km foot march (padayatra), to highlight the demands of the Polavaram Project displaced people. Led by Party state secretary V Srinivasarao, the march began on June 20 at Nellipaka in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district and covered 13 mandals in four districts. Many enthusiastic youth actively participated in the padayatra, which culminated in a mahadharna held in Vijayawada on July 5.

Prior to the launch of the padayatra, the CPI(M) state committee conducted a workshop at Kunavaram on June 24, with the participation of cadres from ASR and Eluru districts. During the workshop, tasks such as the enrollment of volunteers, route finalisation, arrangements for supplies, and supportive measures were finalised. Party state secretariat members Mantena Sitaram and V Venkateswarlu took charge of coordination, and it was decided that the Party state secretary would lead the padayatra, along with the secretaries of ASR and Eluru districts, B Kiran and Ravi. A team of student and youth cadre was assigned to study the issues in each habitation along the padayatra route and to provide daily briefings in advance to the team leaders.

The majority of the participants in the padayatra were the displaced people, particularly the adivasis, who walked enthusiastically, overcoming all hurdles. A total of 320 volunteers walked for all 15 days of the padayatra, and among them, 110 (34 per cent) were women. Nearly 90 per cent of the volunteers were in the age group of 16-25 years. Additionally, 700 volunteers walked for one to four days. The determination of the women participants to participate was highly appreciated.

Throughout the padayatra, the villages that were enroute, lacked function halls or other shelters with toilet and bathroom facilities. The volunteers sought shelter in schools, common areas, and, on some days, even in the open. To ensure accommodation, the night stay was staggered in 2-3 habitations, with 3-4 volunteers being lodged in the houses of the project-affected people.

Women participants of the padayatra comprising more than 1/3 of the volunteers, garnered attention and appreciation from the public. Modiyam Nagamani, Party Eluru district secretariat member, and K Lakshmi, mandal parishad president, effectively led them by enquiring about their difficulties and needs and attending to them. All the women participants not only actively participated in the walk but also showed great enthusiasm in engaging in cultural activities. Some of them entrusted the care of their children to elders so they could participate in the padayatra. Notably, there were instances of sisters, mother and daughter, and mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duos walking together in the padayatra, illustrating how entire families participated in the struggle with unwavering resolve.

People's representatives participated in the padayatra to voice the grievances of the displaced people. Karem Lakshmi, mandal parishad president, along with four sarpanches and two MPTCs, all belonging to CPI(M), were part of the yatra for all 15 days.

Throughout the journey, overwhelming solidarity was expressed by the people in the villages along the route. Men and women welcomed the padayatra at the outskirts with drumbeats in some villages and with traditional 'harathi' and showers of flowers in others. Local residents offered buttermilk and other beverages to the foot-marchers, showing their unwavering support for the cause.

CPI state secretary K Rama Krishna expressed solidarity and participated in the padayatra for one day in the Eluru district. Chalasani Srinivas, convener of the Special Status Sadhana Samithi, joined the padayatra for two days. Additionally, local leaders, sarpanches, and MPTCs belonging to YSRCP, TDP, and Jana Sena Party warmly welcomed the padayatra and extended their support. Party's former state secretary and MP, P Madhu, actively participated in the padayatra for two days.

The padayatra also saw the participation of former MP and AARM leader Dr Midiyam Baburao and the general secretary of AIAWU,    B Venkat, demonstrating the broad support for the cause from various quarters.

IMPACT
The maha padayatra received a positive response from the public and brought to light the issues faced by the Polavaram project-affected people. While most other parties focused solely on the progress and height of the Polavaram project, they neglected the concerns of those displaced by it.

During and after the padayatra, there was extensive discussion in the media and among the public regarding the plight of the project-affected people. In response, the state government held a meeting with stakeholders to address the issues raised.

The minister for water resources, Ambati Rambabu, conducted a meeting with representatives of CPI(M) and state officials from the R&R department to discuss the padayatra's findings. Another meeting is scheduled to take place in Rajamahendravaram to focus on local concerns. Additionally, the state cabinet decided to increase the funds allocated for the project. A meeting in Rajahmahendravaram is planned for July 20.

The Party state committee, held at Anantapuram, decided to organise a dharna in Delhi during the parliament session, seeking resolution for the problems faced by the Polavaram Project-affected people. As it is a national project, the necessary funds should be granted by the central government.