In Nellore district, the prevalence of unauthorized aquaculture has raised alarms, with data revealing that the activity unofficially occupies approximately 10,000 hectares in coastal mandals, out of a total of 11,434 hectares in the region.
Official records indicate that 6,516 farmers in Nellore have obtained permission from the Fisheries department and TRANSCO to convert their farmlands into aqua ponds, particularly in mandals like Kavali, Alluru, Vidvaluru, Muthukur, Indukurpeta, Kota, Chittamuru, Vakadu, Tada, and Buchireddypalem. Notably, approval from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a prerequisite for exports.
However, concerns arise as individuals from Tirupati, Chittoor, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are allegedly converting leased lands into aqua ponds without the necessary permissions. Some reportedly employ individuals from Odisha, West Bengal, and Srikakulam at minimal wages to manage these lands.
Authorities have noted a surge in applications for aquafarming, with the Fisheries department receiving an average of 30 applications per day. This influx is attributed to the requirements of the AP Aqua Act, with the deadline for aquaculture applications set for August 3, as confirmed by an official from the Fisheries Department. The unauthorized expansion of aquaculture raises environmental and regulatory concerns, emphasizing the need for vigilant oversight and adherence to established guidelines in the region.
