Nellore, May 19: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday announced a series of welfare and infrastructure measures for fishermen communities, including financial assistance during the annual fishing ban period, subsidised mechanised boats and promotion of seaweed cultivation for coastal women.

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. Under the scheme, each eligible family received ₹20,000 directly into their bank accounts.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Naidu said the government was committed to safeguarding the livelihood interests of fishermen and ensuring their participation in coastal development. He asserted that the State would strengthen coastal surveillance and prevent intrusion by fishing boats from neighbouring States into Andhra Pradesh waters.

The Chief Minister announced that 200 mechanised fishing boats would be sanctioned with 60% subsidy support, while the remaining cost would be covered through bank loans. He said the government was already extending diesel subsidy assistance to mechanised and motorised fishing boats.

Highlighting infrastructure development in the fisheries sector, Mr. Naidu said the State was constructing nine fishing harbours and eight fish landing centres with an estimated investment of ₹3,256 crore.

He also announced a seaweed cultivation initiative aimed at generating additional livelihood opportunities for fisherwomen and women self-help groups. A training programme for seaweed cultivation was launched with support from Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute.

The Chief Minister said fishermen would continue to enjoy exclusive rights for fish cultivation and marketing in reservoirs and inland water bodies across the State. He also assured support for improving market access for fisheries products.

During his visit, Mr. Naidu inspected coastal surveillance systems, including drone-based monitoring and GPS-enabled tracking systems intended to improve fishermen safety and curb illegal intrusion into Andhra Pradesh coastal waters.

He further announced infrastructure works including road connectivity for 25 fishermen villages in the region and desilting works for the North Buckingham Canal.

Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Atchannaidu and Farooq, along with other public representatives, participated in the programme.

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh BJP State President P.V.N. Madhav on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the increasing incursions by Tamil Nadu fishermen into Andhra Pradesh's coastal waters, demanding stringent action against those responsible. In a statement issued from the BJP State office, he said the problem had reached alarming proportions along the coastlines of Nellore, Ongole, and Bapatla districts.

Speed Boats From Cuddalore, Karaikal Causing Alarm

Madhav alleged that fishermen arriving in speed boats from Cuddalore and Karaikal were illegally entering Andhra Pradesh's coastal waters and intimidating local fisherfolk. He referred to a recent incident in the Juvvaladinna area of Nellore district, where local fishermen had intercepted Tamil Nadu boats found to be operating illegally and engaging in acts of intimidation, leading to a tense standoff in the region.

Overnight Release of Seized Boats Raises Questions

The BJP State president said that despite the matter being brought to the attention of the concerned authorities, the government's response had fallen short of expectations. He was particularly critical of the overnight release of the intercepted boats and their return to Tamil Nadu, stating that such actions only deepened suspicions and left local fishermen feeling unprotected. The absence of any punitive action against those responsible, he said, had fuelled a growing sense of insecurity among the coastal communities.

Strengthen Marine Police, Revive Coastal Security Grid

Madhav outlined a series of measures he said were urgently needed to address the situation. These included the modernisation and strengthening of marine police stations, the induction of local fishermen as Home Guards, and enhanced surveillance in coordination with the Coast Guard. He also called for the revival of the Coastal Security Technical System that had been in place in 2010, and suggested that retired Navy personnel and local fishermen be redeployed under the framework to bolster coastal vigilance.

Coordinate With Tamil Nadu for Lasting Solution

Urging the State government to take firm action against those who enter Andhra Pradesh's waters illegally and resort to intimidation, Madhav also called for coordination with the Tamil Nadu government to address the issue at an inter-State level. He appealed to the Andhra Pradesh government to find a permanent solution to a problem that had persisted for several years and continued to undermine the livelihoods and safety of coastal communities.