From 10 feet to 3: Gangapatnam creek in Nellore district loses depth, fishers their livelihood

People from Gangapatnam, Pallipalem and Komarika villages in Indukurupeta mandal of SPSR Nellore district have alleged years of neglect by successive governments and officials over a creek that once sustained the livelihoods of thousands of local fishers.

A view of the creek near Varenyanagar in Gangapatnam village of Indukurupeta mandal in SPSR Nellore district.
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HANDOUT

The creek, located near Varenyanagar between the Buckingham Canal and Mypadu beach, was severely disturbed after the tsunami struck the Gangapatnam coast in 2004, resulting in heavy silt deposition. Its depth has since reduced drastically from about 10–12 feet to just 3–4 feet.

Stretching along a vast coastline dotted with backwaters and mangroves, the creek is connected to freshwater flows through multiple canals under the Jaffar Saheb canal system. This unique ecosystem, where freshwater meets seawater, naturally supports a rich diversity of marine life.

However, due to siltation, the creek has become unsuitable for marine species to thrive and reproduce. While some members of the fishing community have migrated elsewhere in search of livelihood, others have been forced to work as labourers in nearby shrimp processing units.

Thambu Chinnaiah, former president of the Marine Fishermen Society of Gangapatnam and Pallipalem, said the area holds immense potential for revitalising fishing activities, particularly for vulnerable tribal groups and traditional fisher communities. He stressed the need for a comprehensive survey of the creek and backwaters, followed by preparation of estimates for dredging and desiltation. Restoring the creek to its natural depth, he said, would enable marine species to return and flourish as they did two decades ago.

The creek was once home to a wide variety of marine species, including white shrimp, tiger prawns, crabs and several kinds of fish. Desiltation would directly benefit fisher families by reviving fishing activity, enhancing incomes and improving their quality of life.

Penuballi Krishna Chaitanya, a local resident and member of the Nellore District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee, said there is strong market demand for naturally grown seafood, which is also valued for its health benefits.

At a recent DISHA meeting, Mr. Chaitanya submitted a representation to Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy seeking immediate dredging and desiltation of the creek to restore its original depth. He also urged the authorities to identify and develop the area as a tourist destination.

Located close to Mypadu beach and the Sri Chamundeswari Devi temple at Gangapatnam, the area offers scenic views with significant tourism potential. Mr. Chaitanya said developing the creek and its surroundings with boating facilities and seafood stalls would boost the local economy.

Speaking to The Hindu, K. Santhi, Joint Director of the Fisheries Department in Nellore, said no representations had been received by the department in the past five months regarding dredging or desiltation of the creek. She added that if a formal request is submitted by local residents, the department would forward a proposal to the government.