Minister assures support to local fisherfolk, farmers

Andhra Pradesh government has paid special attention to the issues faced by fishermen and has taken firm steps to find a permanent solution, said Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy during a review meeting at Collectorate in SPSR Nellore district on Monday.

District Collector Himanshu Shukla, Superintendent of Police Ajitha Vejendla, MLAs Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, Daggumati Venkata Krishna Reddy, Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy, Pasham Sunil Kumar and Nelavala Vijayasree were also present at the meeting.

“The fishermen of the coastal region have had long-pending problems with neighbouring States of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The State government is taking steps towards a permanent solution to these issues,” said Mr. Anam Ramanarayana Reddy.

“The fishermen from the neighbouring States have been plundering our fisheries with the help of high-powered boats. The local fishermen are concerned that four boats belonging to other States, which were seized earlier, have been released by unknown persons,” he informed.

“The State government has taken this matter seriously and is taking steps towards setting up a special task force to patrol the sea waters,” the Minister said, adding that the officials from various departments have already tested the patrol boat in this direction.

Two boats, with officers from the Marine Police, Forest, Fisheries and Fire departments, will patrol the sea round-the-clock till April 14 as the fishing ban is coming into effect for two months from April 15.

A State-level special team is visiting the district on Tuesday on the orders of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The public representatives and officials of the district will meet the team, discuss the issue and submit a detailed report to the government.

Since it is a problem concerning three States, a report will be submitted to the Central government and intensive efforts will be made for a permanent solution, he added.

On the same day, Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy inspected the paddy, cotton, chilli and other crop fields damaged by the recent heavy rains in Chilakalamarri, Kamireddypadu and Mangupalli villages of Ananthasagaram mandal in the district.

As per the preliminary estimates, 1,469 farmers in 21 villages in Ananthasagaram, Marripadu, Kaluvai, Rapuru, and Seetharampuram mandals have lost crops in 1,289 hectares due to the rains. A report will be sent to the government through the Collector for providing compensation.