High-speed mechanised boats to keep Tamil Nadu fishermen out of Andhra Pradesh waters

Tirupati: The Nellore district administration will soon buy high-speed mechanised boats to check the alleged intrusion of Tamil Nadu fishermen into the Andhra Pradesh coastline.According to TDP MP Beeda Masthan Rao, TN fishermen have been entering AP’s coastline in high-speed mechanised boats, leading to frequent clashes with the fisherfolk of Andhra Pradesh and adversely affecting their livelihood for several decades now.Recently, one such episode snowballed into a major controversy when agitated local fishermen captured four Tamil Nadu boats for allegedly violating fishing regulations in the coastal waters near Krishnapuram in Indukurpet mandal and Chennayapalem in Kavali mandal of Nellore district.Further, the release of the TN boats, which had been tied at Juvvaladinne port for nearly eight months, triggered massive protests by local fishermen, prompting the district administration and the AP govt to seek long-term measures to end the problem.AP fisheries authorities have reportedly communicated the matter to officials in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to contain the situation from their end, too, amid growing concerns over intensified poaching activities by TN fishermen in coastal areas across Andhra Pradesh.Masthan Rao said the absence of larger mechanised boats along the AP coast has been one of the key reasons for frequent poaching by fishermen from neighbouring states. “Such boats would help local fishermen venture deeper into the sea and remain there for longer durations, resulting in improved fish catch and better income opportunities”, he noted.He submitted a representation to Union minister of state for fisheries SP Singh Baghel, seeking intervention to curb the entry of mechanised boats from Karaikal into Andhra waters.On the other hand, the AP govt has intensified monitoring along the coastline following growing unrest among fisherfolk communities. Special patrol teams have also reportedly been deployed at sea to prevent the entry of mechanised boats from neighbouring states.