AP Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan promises 100-Day resolution for fishermen issues

The program with fishermen from Uppaada, reportedly organized at the Kakinada District Collectorate and attended by State Deputy Chief Minister Sri Pawan Kalyan, has concluded. The initiative focused on addressing the welfare of fishermen and concerns related to industrial pollution in the region.

As part of the program, it has been reported that insurance assistance of ₹5 lakh each was provided to 18 families of fishermen who died while on fishing expeditions. During the meeting, every problem and opinion expressed by the fishermen was carefully noted. While fishermen welfare schemes exist in Andhra Pradesh, including PM Dhana Dhanya Krishi Yojana, the specific claims of payouts to these families have not been independently verified.

Fishermen raised concerns regarding industrial pollution in Uppaada, which is part of the Kakinada industrial belt, known for cement, chemical, and thermal plants. Following these complaints, the Deputy CM reportedly directed AP Pollution Control Board (PCB) officials to conduct a pollution audit, requesting a report within a week. Industrial pollution in the region is well-documented, with past audits between 2017–2022 highlighting effluent discharge, dust, and water contamination affecting fishing zones. Companies historically linked to pollution in the area include Ambuja Cements, UltraTech Cement/Lafarge India, Coromandel Fertilizers, local thermal plants, and small-scale chemical units.

The Deputy CM emphasized that the State will take necessary decisions to resolve these issues within 100 days. In the process of suggesting solution pathways, all stakeholders—including industries, the fisheries department, PCB, industry representatives, fishermen, and NGOs—will be involved. The program aimed to ensure that the concerns of the fishing community are addressed while balancing industrial and environmental considerations.