Andhra Pradesh To Unveil Coastal Vision Plan

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive vision plan for the development of Andhra Pradesh’s vast coastline.

The focus will be on transforming the coastal belt into a major hub for economic activity under the emerging Blue Economy framework.

At a review meeting held here on Monday with experts and senior officials, the Chief Minister called for a study on investment opportunities, development projects, employment generation and benefits for fishing communities along the state’s nearly 1,000-km-long coastline.

Naidu observed that the global focus has increasingly shifted towards the Blue Economy, which emphasizes sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and livelihood generation. Andhra Pradesh, with its rich marine resources, has immense potential to emerge as a leader in the maritime economy if those resources are effectively harnessed, he said.

The chief minister pointed out that AP has achieved significant progress in aquaculture and currently held the top position among states in shrimp and fish cultivation as well as exports. However, “a need is for promoting value addition in the aquaculture sector to improve incomes and create more employment opportunities.”

Naidu expressed concern over pollution caused by aquaculture waste and its adverse impact on the environment. Officials, he said, must conduct a comprehensive study to identify solutions to these environmental challenges while ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.

He also emphasised the need to protect marine biodiversity through eco-friendly policies and scientific management practices.

The CM said the state government was now paying special attention to rare earth minerals found in coastal and marine regions and called for strategies to tap these valuable resources responsibly.

Highlighting the increasing threat of coastal erosion and natural disasters such as cyclones, Naidu directed officials to strengthen coastal protection mechanisms. He suggested creating a three-layer natural protection system comprising mangroves, palm trees and other green barriers along the coastline to minimise damage from extreme weather events.

Naidu said coastal regions should be developed into centres for tourism and economic activity while maintaining ecological balance. He also called for exploring the development and marketing potential of seaweed cultivation as an emerging sector.

Among those present were agriculture special chief secretary B. Rajasekhar, fisheries commissioner Naik, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha vice-chairman Vijay Kumar and marine diversity expert Philip Mendes from the VOYCE organisation.