Andhra Pradesh Government Advances Fishing Harbor Modernization to International Standards
In a significant development for the state's fisheries sector, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister K Atchannaidu announced on Friday that the Andhra Pradesh government is undertaking a comprehensive modernization of fishing harbors to elevate them to international standards. This ambitious initiative is being executed with crucial support from the Central Government through key national programs.
Central Schemes Drive Infrastructure Enhancement
The modernization efforts are being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Sagarmala program. These centrally-sponsored schemes provide the necessary financial and technical backing to transform the state's fishing infrastructure. Minister Atchannaidu made this declaration during a session of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly while responding to inquiries from Pendurthi MLA Panchakarla Ramesh Babu regarding the construction of a mini jetty at Muthyalammapalem in Paravada mandal.
Andhra Pradesh's Extensive Coastal Assets
Andhra Pradesh boasts an impressive 1,053-kilometer coastline spanning across 12 districts, which supports a thriving fisheries industry. The state has identified 350 landing centers and harbors along this extensive coastal stretch. To optimize development, ten fishing harbors have been selected for comprehensive upgrades to meet international benchmarks. In a strategic administrative move back in 2020, responsibility for these harbors was transferred from the fisheries department to the infrastructure and investments department to ensure more streamlined and efficient execution of projects.
Phased Implementation of Harbor Development
The modernization program follows a carefully structured phased approach. In the initial phase, construction is actively underway at four key locations: Juvvaladinne, Uppada, Machilipatnam, and Nizampatnam. The second phase will see development at four additional sites: Budagatlapalem, Pudimadaka, Kothapatnam, and Vodarevu. This systematic rollout ensures focused resource allocation and timely completion of critical infrastructure improvements.
Substantial Investments in Major Harbors
Significant financial resources are being deployed for specific harbor projects. The modernization of Visakhapatnam harbor is progressing with an investment of ₹178.51 crore, funded through a collaborative arrangement involving PMMSY, Sagarmala, and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. For Kakinada harbor, the Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fisheries (CICEF) has agreed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) at an estimated cost of ₹58.95 crore, laying the groundwork for future development.
Operational Jetties and Technical Interventions
Several jetties are already operational, including those at Antarvedi Pallipalem and Gundayapalem, providing immediate benefits to local fishing communities. Additionally, technical measures have been formally communicated to the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) to stabilize the river mouth at Bhavanapadu Fish Landing Centre (FLC), addressing specific geographical challenges.
Development of Fish Landing Centers
The state is also advancing the development of multiple fish landing centers. Projects at Donduvak, Uppalanka, Bheemili, Rajayyapeta, Chintapalli, and Rayadaruvu are currently in the tendering stage, with a combined estimated cost of ₹126.91 crore. Meanwhile, construction work has already commenced at Machilipatnam and Biyyaputhippa, demonstrating tangible progress on the ground.
Pre-Feasibility Studies and Future Prospects
Pre-feasibility studies have been conducted by CICEF based on public demand and local requirements. Final reports are awaited for the proposed mini jetty at Muthyalammapalem in Paravada mandal, which will inform subsequent development decisions. This data-driven approach ensures that infrastructure projects align with actual community needs and operational realities.
The comprehensive modernization initiative represents a strategic investment in Andhra Pradesh's blue economy, aiming to enhance productivity, safety, and economic returns for the state's fishing communities while aligning with national fisheries development objectives.
