Andhra fishermen face cross-border pressure

fishing in troubled waters

It is a sea of strain that the AP’s coastline fishermen face as mechanised boats from  Puducherry ravage its waters, writes Kiranmai Tutika

metro india news  I amaravati

What was once a routine livelihood for thousands of fishermen along Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore and Tirupati coastlines has increasingly turned into a zone of conflict, as repeated incursions by mechanised boats from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry continue to strain local communities and marine resources.

For over a decade, fishermen in coastal villages such as Juvvaladinne, Isakapallipalem, and Chennayapalem have raised alarms over systematic intrusion into Andhra waters. Equipped with high-speed mechanised boats, fishermen from neighbouring regions often venture into these waters during peak fishing seasons, particularly between March and June, when fish movement is high around Pulicat Lake and adjoining stretches.

Local fishermen, who largely depend on traditional methods and operate closer to shore, say these incursions not only deplete fish stocks but also damage their nets, pushing already vulnerable communities into financial distress.

“We go into the sea every day hoping to return with a livelihood, but now we are returning with losses and fear. These mechanised boats come into our waters, destroy our nets, and take away our catch. If this continues, small fishermen like us will not survive,” said Issaiah, Secretary of Fishing Community of Juvvaladinne.

The latest flashpoint in March 2026 at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour exposed deeper administrative concerns. Four mechanised boats allegedly from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were seized by local fishermen and handed over for custody. However, the boats mysteriously disappeared overnight, reportedly after the detained crew escaped, raising serious questions over enforcement lapses and surveillance gaps.

This incident is part of a recurring pattern. Similar confrontations were reported in 2018, 2021, and 2023, often involving clashes, detentions, and protests. Despite periodic interventions, the absence of a robust, coordinated mechanism between states has allowed the issue to persist.

Responding to the growing unrest, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken a firm stance, asserting that fishermen from neighbouring states will not be allowed to exploit Andhra Pradesh’s marine resources. Addressing a recent public meeting, he emphasised that the state’s coastline must primarily benefit its own fishing communities.

Acknowledging gaps in coastal security, the Chief Minister directed officials to intensify monitoring and strengthen patrolling systems.

The Fisheries Department has begun deploying enhanced surveillance measures, while district administrations have been tasked with safeguarding local fishermen’s interests.

“The government is taking this issue very seriously. Protecting the livelihood of our fishermen is a top priority,” Md. Masthan, Fisheries Department official said.