After 2-month ban, boats venture into sea from Kakinada fishing harbour

Kakinada: With the completion of 61-day ban period, the fishing activity has begun in district from 13 centres. According to sources, more than 4,000 motored boats with traditional craft ventured into the sea for fishing.

Sources said 450 mechanised boats did not venture into sea from Kakinada fishing harbour and from Bhairavapalem in Katrenikona mandal in the district. The prime reason for not venturing into the sea is the subsidy of Rs 6.03 paisa on diesel per litre which the fishermen want to be doubled. 

AP Coastal Districts Fishermen Welfare Association president Dasari Satyanarayana said when the price of diesel was Rs 40, the subsidy was Rs 6.03 paisa and the same has been continuing even after the diesel price touched Rs 75 per litre. 

The government should consider raise in subsidy by 100 per cent in view of steep rise in the diesel price. When contacted on the issue, joint director of fisheries P Jaya Rao admitted that the mechanised boats did not move from two jetties at Kakinada and Bhairavapalem.

He said the issue was brought to the notice of higher-ups in fisheries department. Rural MLA P Anantalakshmi said she will take up the issue to the notice of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for an amicable solution.