Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday, 19 May drew a firm line against alleged encroachment by mechanised fishing boats from Tamil Nadu into the territorial waters of Andhra Pradesh, declaring that the state would brook no compromise on its fishermen's rights. Addressing fisherfolk at Thummalapenta Village in SPSR Nellore district, Naidu's remarks came amid mounting reports of alleged trespassing and illegal fishing in the state's coastal waters.

Naidu's Warning on Coastal Encroachment

'This coastline belongs to us; the boats are ours, and the fishing rights are ours — there will be no compromise on this matter,' the Chief Minister declared. He assured the gathering that the government would maintain strict surveillance along the coastline and take active measures to prevent boats from neighbouring states from entering Andhra Pradesh's waters. The remarks signal a hardening of the state's position on a dispute that has periodically flared between the two coastal neighbours.

Financial Relief During the Fishing Ban Period

Speaking at the programme titled 'In the Service of Fishermen', Naidu highlighted that the annual fishing ban — in force from 15 April to 14 June — has placed a significant burden on fishing families. To cushion the impact, the state government is providing financial assistance of ₹20,000 to every fisherman's family during the ban period. He confirmed that a total of ₹262 crore has been deposited directly into the bank accounts of 1,30,796 fishermen families under this scheme.

Key Support Measures for the Fisheries Sector

Naidu listed a range of interventions the coalition government has rolled out for the sector. These include a diesel subsidy of ₹9 per litre for mechanised and motorised fishing boats, with subsidies worth ₹50 crore disbursed in 2026–27 alone. The government is also investing ₹3,256 crore to establish nine fishing harbours and eight fish landing centres across the state. To strengthen safety at sea, 4,550 transponders have been installed and a robust communication network set up. Additionally, 200 mechanised boats are to be sanctioned for fishermen, with the government offering a 60% subsidy and financing the remainder as a loan.

Infrastructure and Livelihood Push

The Chief Minister highlighted the construction of the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, being built at a cost of ₹288 crore, as a cornerstone of the government's effort to economically empower the fishing community. He urged fishermen not to be misled by what he described as 'false propaganda' surrounding the project. Naidu also outlined plans to integrate new technologies with traditional fishing practices and flagged seaweed cultivation as a fresh income avenue — particularly for fisherwomen and women belonging to DWCRA groups. He noted that fish production in the state had witnessed a sharp decline between 2019 and 2024, a trend the current government is working to reverse. Andhra Pradesh, he stressed, ranks among the foremost fish-producing states in the country, with the fisheries sector being the third-largest source of livelihood after agriculture and construction.

What's Next

With the fishing ban lifting on 14 June, the state's surveillance posture along its coastline and the pace of infrastructure delivery will be closely watched. The inter-state dispute over territorial waters, if unresolved, could resurface as a political flashpoint when boats return to sea.