Amaravati, April 15 (NationPress) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasized on Wednesday that all fishing harbours rightfully belong to the fishermen. He criticized the coalition government for allegedly undermining the blue economy and transferring control of harbours to private entities.

During his visit to the Juvveladinne fishing harbour in Nellore district, Jagan Mohan Reddy challenged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the delay in transferring the Juvveladinne harbour, which was completed under his administration. Instead, he pointed out that land has been allocated to a private defense company, thereby jeopardizing the livelihoods of local fishermen. He noted that there is sufficient land available at the nearby Krishnapatnam port, yet it was still awarded for commercial purposes.

“I assure you, in the near future, we will reclaim control of all harbours and enhance the blue economy,” he pledged to the fishermen.

He highlighted that the YSRCP government had initiated plans for four ports and ten fishing harbours, along with six fish landing centres, to improve coastal facilities at an investment of Rs 26,000 crore, obtaining all necessary permissions from the Maritime Board.

“We officially dedicated Juvveladinne to the nation in March 2024, but could not hold a formal inauguration due to the election code. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later inaugurated it. The failure of Chandrababu to hand over the harbour to fishermen is evident, especially since land has been allocated to a private party, which is a step towards privatization,” he stated.

He vowed to prevent any further transfer of land to private interests.

“Upon regaining power, we will rectify this and ensure that all harbours are dedicated to fishermen. As previously planned, we will provide 1,250 mechanized boats at a 90% subsidy, benefiting over 25,000 families as each boat will be shared among groups of fishermen, thus bolstering the blue economy,” he asserted, accusing Chandrababu Naidu of detrimental actions against fishermen’s livelihoods to further his commercial interests.

“With large mechanized boats from Tamil Nadu entering our waters, our fishermen took action by handing over those boats and their crew to the police. However, just four days after Lokesh’s visit, those boats disappeared, indicating a possible conspiracy involving the Beda brothers (MP Beeda Mastan Rao and MLA Beeda Ravichandra), whose call records with the boat’s owner are available,” he claimed.

Jagan Mohan Reddy also mentioned that the YSRCP government had achieved 35% completion of the Machilipatnam and Mulapeta projects, while the Ramayapatnam port works were nearing their conclusion. He questioned the coalition government's inaction regarding these developments, highlighting its neglect towards fishermen.

“The coalition government is not just opposed by fishermen; all communities are turning against it as its deceit has come to light. It has failed to honor its electoral promises and halted numerous welfare initiatives we previously implemented,” he stated.

“Outstanding fee reimbursement dues remain unpaid, and Aarogyasri dues are accumulating, with network hospitals refusing to treat patients. Farmers are not receiving their MSP, and women have been denied promised schemes, including zero-interest benefits,” he concluded.