The collector of the Bapatla district of J. Venkat Murali assured that the obstacles in the canal with the epurupal that prevented fishing activities would be immediately removed. During an emergency meeting with fishing representatives from nine villages who stopped fishing to protest the blocking.
The collector said that the channel that merges into the sea will be restored to the original conditions of the flow before any fishing ban. He emphasized urgency because more than 20,000 families and about 2,500 fishermen ships depend on this channel for their livelihood. Obstruction, allegedly caused by a private individual who threw up 500 tons of sand to avert the canal, stopped the movement of ships and damaged the vessels due to submerged rocks near the coast.
A committee for investigating illegal blockage was created. It includes officials from income, groundwater, water resources, councils for control of pollution, department of fishermen and leaders of fishermen. Comprehensive survey and investigation must be completed within one month.
The SP Tushar Dudi district confirmed that legal measures will be adopted under CRZ law, including potential criminal charges. Fishermen welcomed this step and submitted written complaints and sought measures against those who interfere with the coastal zones for personal profit.
Published – June 24, 2025 22:37 is
