Fisherfolk Sail in 100 Boats To Thank CM

Vijayawada: Hundreds of fishermen sailed across the Krishna river in nearly 100 boats on Monday to thank Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the alliance government for releasing second-year financial assistance under the ‘Matsyakarula Sevalo’ scheme.

Fishermen from Venkatapalem, Thummalapalem, Seethanagaram and Kummarapalem reached the residence of education minister Nara Lokesh near Amaravati in a colourful flotilla amid cheers and celebrations.

Welcoming the fishermen, Lokesh described them as “Gangaputras” and praised their unity and commitment.

Recalling his Yuva Galam padayatra visit to Juvvaladinne, he said the affection shown by the fishing community had left a lasting impression on him.

“They decorated the entire village with colourful rangolis and ensured no one stepped on them until I arrived. Their unity and determination are exemplary. Society must learn from the way fishermen stand by their word,” Lokesh said.

The minister said the government was committed to rebuilding the state and restoring investor confidence while continuing welfare programmes.

Lokesh said he had personally witnessed the hardships faced by fishermen and appreciated their determination to educate their children. He added that the government was bringing global companies to Andhra Pradesh to create better employment opportunities for youth.

He said a defence manufacturing company had recently been launched at Juvvaladinne and announced that Sagar Defence Company would introduce autonomous surveillance patrol boats to prevent incursions by Tamil Nadu fishermen into Andhra waters.

Assuring continued support to the fishing community, Lokesh said the doors of his residence would always remain open to them in times of need.

The minister later interacted with the fishermen and posed for photographs with them.