Nellore MP pushes high-speed fleet for fishermen

Metro India News | NELLORE

In a bid to strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities, Rajya Sabha MP Beedha Mastan Rao Yadav has proposed the procurement of high-speed mechanised boats for fishermen in SPSR Nellore district.

The push for mechanised boats comes against the backdrop of growing pressure at sea. Frequent incursions by fishermen from neighbouring regions such as Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have intensified competition, leaving local fishermen at a disadvantage. Without access to larger vessels, they are largely confined to near-shore fishing, which limits both their catch and income. Mechanised boats, on the other hand, would enable them to venture deeper into the sea, stay out longer, and improve their overall yield.

The proposal has also stirred political heat following the unauthorised release of four high-speed boats from Karaikal at Juvvaladinne port. Opposition leaders accused the MP of acting against the interests of local fishermen. However, Yadav dismissed the allegations as “malicious propaganda,” issuing an open letter to Nara Lokesh and asserting that he would quit politics if any wrongdoing was proven.

The controversy highlights a long-standing coastal conflict that has persisted for over four decades. As per established norms, boats from Karaikal are expected to maintain a distance of at least 7 km from the Andhra coast, but violations are reportedly frequent. Such incursions not only damage fishing nets and smaller boats but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Taking the matter further, the MP has approached S.P. Singh Baghel, seeking intervention to curb the unauthorised entry of mechanised boats into Andhra waters. Meanwhile, fisheries authorities have already taken up the issue with their counterparts in neighbouring states, cautioning that continued tensions could trigger unrest across 162 coastal villages in Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts.

Push for mechanised boats

■ Frequent incursions by fishermen from neighbouring regions like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have intensified competition at sea.

■ Local fishermen, lacking larger vessels, are restricted to near-shore fishing, limiting both catch and income.

■ Mechanised boats would allow them to venture deeper, stay longer, and secure higher yields.