Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday declared a zero-tolerance policy against intrusion by fishermen from other states into the state's coastline. Speaking at an event in Nellore district, Naidu disbursed financial assistance of Rs 20,000 each, totaling Rs 262 crore, to over 1.3 lakh fishermen under the 'Matsyakarula Sevalo' scheme at Tummalapenta village in Kavali assembly constituency.
The chief minister made it unequivocally clear that "the coast is ours and the catch is ours," warning fishermen from neighboring states not to encroach into Andhra Pradesh waters for fishing. Addressing a public meeting, Naidu reassured the fishing community that the state government has taken serious note of such intrusions and is committed to protecting the coastal wealth that belongs exclusively to local communities.
Joint Action Task Force for Sea Patrol
Naidu announced the deployment of a 'Joint Action Task Force for Sea Patrol', integrating the marine police, fisheries, and forest departments. The task force will utilize advanced drone technology and satellite imaging to monitor territorial waters and issue multi-lingual warnings to prevent illegal intrusions by fishing vessels from neighboring states.
Modernization of Fishing Fleet
To modernize the local fishing fleet, the government will sanction 200 mechanized boats, backed by a 60 percent government subsidy and a diesel subsidy of Rs 9 per liter. Additionally, 4,550 transponders will be installed for maritime communication and safety.
Sustainable Livelihood Diversification
Focusing on sustainable livelihood diversification, the chief minister stated that the government will initiate a specialized seaweed cultivation training module for women from fishing families and DWCRA self-help groups in collaboration with the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI).
Infrastructure Development
On the infrastructure front, Naidu highlighted the ongoing construction of the Rs 288-crore Juvvaladinne fishing harbor and a larger Rs 3,256-crore blueprint encompassing nine fishing harbors and eight fish landing centers across Andhra Pradesh. He also sanctioned Rs 6.19 crore for desilting the North Buckingham Canal to transform it into an inland waterway. The chief minister promised to develop Thummalapenta into a model coastal village.
Personal Touch: CM Visits Fisherman's Home
In a warm gesture that delighted the local fishing community, Naidu visited the home of fisherman Tanangari Babu in Thummalapenta village. After attending the official program, he visited the local fish market, interacted with vendors, and purchased fresh fish from women traders. At Babu's residence, his wife Venkamma prepared a traditional fish curry. The chief minister lightheartedly observed the cooking process and even stirred the pot himself. He sat on the floor with the family to have lunch, serving the freshly prepared fish curry to his hosts, and inquired about the well-being of Venkamma's daughter and her newborn baby.
