Nellore, March 28:
District Collector Himanshu Shukla has directed fisheries officials to immediately procure a high-speed boat to strengthen coastal surveillance and prevent illegal entry by Tamil Nadu fishermen.
The Collector issued these instructions during a review meeting held at the camp office on Saturday with fisheries officials and tahsildars from nine coastal mandals under the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour jurisdiction.
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Focus on Fishermen’s Safety
Emphasizing that the government is fully committed to ensuring the safety of fishermen, the Collector said that coastal patrolling needs to be intensified. He noted that two patrol boats are currently in operation and will be upgraded to high-speed vessels.
Additionally, he instructed officials to procure a new 450 HP high-speed boat with an estimated cost of ₹1.20 crore to ₹1.50 crore, assuring that funds would be sanctioned immediately.
Modern Equipment to be Installed
The Collector directed officials to equip the new boat with advanced safety and surveillance tools, including:
- Video recording-enabled binoculars
- High-capacity ropes
- Fire extinguishers
- Flashlights
- Medical kits
He stressed that cost should not be a constraint and that the boat must be equipped with the latest technology.
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Boat to be Managed by Fishermen
Shukla also suggested that the newly procured boat should be allocated to local fishermen, who would be responsible for its operation and maintenance.
He stated that the high-speed vessel would enable faster coastal patrolling, helping authorities detect illegal movements from a distance and record evidence using surveillance equipment.
Interim Arrangement Ordered
Until the new boat is procured, the Collector instructed officials to arrange a high-speed boat on rent within two days and deploy it at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour.
The Collector said that the initiative would not only enhance fishermen’s safety but also support their livelihoods by ensuring secure fishing conditions along the coast.
The meeting was attended by Fisheries Joint Director Dr. Shanti, Assistant Director Chand Basha, and tahsildars from coastal mandals, among others.
