This coast and marine wealth Is ours, says Chandrababu
Nellore/Kavali: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday announced a series of welfare, infrastructure and livelihood initiatives for fishermen communities, while reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting coastal rights and strengthening the fisheries sector.
Participating in the 'Matsyakarula Sevalo' programme at Tummalapenta village in Kavali constituency of Nellore district, the Chief Minister released ₹261.50 crore as financial assistance to 1,30,796 fishermen families during the annual fishing ban period. Under the scheme, each eligible family received ₹20,000 directly into their bank accounts.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said fishermen must become equal stakeholders in coastal development and assured that the government would safeguard their livelihood interests. 'This coast is ours, these boats are ours and this marine wealth is ours. We will strengthen surveillance along the coastline and prevent intrusion by boats from neighbouring states,' he said.
The Chief Minister announced that 200 mechanised fishing boats would be sanctioned with 60 percent subsidy support, while the remaining amount would be provided through loan. He said the government is already extending diesel subsidy support to mechanised and motorised boats and government is constructing 9 fishing harbours and 8 fish landing centres across the state with an investment of ₹3,256 crore.
Highlighting new livelihood opportunities, the Chief Minister said the government would promote seaweed cultivation among fisherwomen and DWCRA women groups to generate additional income. He launched a seaweed cultivation training programme for coastal women with support from the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI).
The Chief Minister also said fishermen would continue to receive exclusive rights for fish cultivation and marketing in reservoirs and inland water bodies across the state. 'I will personally act like a marketing manager for fisheries products and help create better market opportunities,' he remarked.
During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected coastal surveillance systems, including drone monitoring and GPS-based tracking systems designed to prevent illegal intrusion into Andhra Pradesh waters and improve fishermen safety at sea.
The Chief Minister further announced infrastructure works including roads connecting 25 fishermen villages in the region and desilting of the North Buckingham Canal. Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Atchannaidu, Farooq and other public representatives participated in the programme.
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