In the midst of Andhra Pradesh’s thriving aquaculture industry, concerns have emerged regarding water contamination and its detrimental effects on health and agriculture in the Antarvedi region of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.
Driven by a coastline spanning 974 kilometres, Andhra Pradesh has seen remarkable growth in its aquaculture sector, boasting a record-breaking production of 46.23 lakh metric tonnes of fish and shrimp in 2021. Despite the economic prosperity brought about by this industry, the adverse impacts on the environment, health, and livelihoods of local communities have become apparent.
The surge in aquaculture activities, particularly shrimp farming, has led to the conversion of agricultural lands into shrimp farms, often in unauthorized zones. These farms rely on a mixture of brackish water sourced from groundwater and seawater, resulting in contamination of nearby water sources. Consequently, crop damage in adjacent fields due to elevated salt levels has been reported, alongside concerns over water contamination from unregulated chemical usage.
Residents in affected areas have reported adverse health effects, including decreased coconut yields and skin allergies, attributed to water contamination resulting from aquacultural practices. Moreover, the societal impact of this boom has forced many individuals to seek alternative livelihoods elsewhere.
In response to these challenges, legal interventions have been initiated, with cases filed against aqua pond owners and petitions submitted to the National Green Tribunal to address illegal practices. While some progress has been made, further efforts are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the community, environment, and economy.
Moving forward, experts advocate for the establishment of designated aquaculture zones, stricter monitoring of unauthorized farms, and the provision of alternative livelihood options for farmers. Suggestions such as offering minimum support prices for agricultural crops aim to discourage farmers from unsustainable aquaculture practices, thereby safeguarding both the environment and the well-being of local communities.
Source: The Hindu
