Bapatla District Collector assures immediate removal of canal obstructions hindering fishing activities

Bapatla Regional Collector J. Venkata Murali guaranteed that the obstacles in the epurupAlem channel that prevents fishing activities will be removed immediately. During an emergency meeting with fishermen representatives from nine villages that stop fishing to protest this assurance.

The collector said that the channel merged into the sea will be restored to the original flow conditions before any fishing forbidden. More than 20,000 families belonging to fishermen and about 2,500 boats stressed the urgency because it is connected to this channel. The blockage caused by a private individual throwing 500 tons of sand to direct the channel road, reportedly stopped the boat movement and damaged ships due to sunken rocks near the coastline.

A committee was established to investigate illegal congestion. Income, groundwater, water resources, pollution control board, fishing department and officials from fishing leaders. A comprehensive survey and investigation will be completed within a month.

Regional SP Tushar Dudi confirmed that legal measures will be taken according to CRZ laws, including potential criminal charges. The fishermen welcomed the movement and presented written complaints and took action against the coastal areas for personal earnings.