In a significant move to alleviate the hardships of the Uppada fishermen, the Andhra Pradesh government officially announced the formation of a dedicated committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. This initiative aims to tackle the long-standing issues plaguing the fishing communities in Uppada and neighboring coastal villages of U. Kothapalli Mandal in Kakinada district.
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan swiftly acknowledged this positive development, extending his gratitude to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Agriculture and Fisheries Minister K. Atchannaidu. He praised their prompt action and commitment to addressing the fishermen’s concerns through this structured approach.
The newly formed committee, established under Government Order 345, boasts a comprehensive membership. It includes key figures such as the Commissioners of Industries and Fisheries, the Member-Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, and the District Collector and Magistrate of Kakinada, who will also serve as the Member/Convener. Crucially, representatives from the local fishing community, to be nominated by the District Collector, will also be part of this vital body.
This committee’s core mission is to provide a quick and transparent resolution to the many grievances voiced by the local fishing community. These grievances notably stem from severe pollution, significant loss of livelihood, existing deficiencies in infrastructure design, and unresolved compensation disputes.
Its mandate is broad, encompassing a thorough examination of all grievances, active coordination with relevant government departments and agencies, and the diligent provision of relief, fair compensation, and sustainable livelihood avenues for affected families. Beyond these specifics, the committee is also empowered to address any other concerns deemed necessary for protecting the welfare of the fishing community.
The Kakinada District Collector has been specifically tasked with nominating community representatives and spearheading the subsequent actions required as the committee’s Member-Convener.
It’s worth remembering the dire circumstances that led to this government intervention. Just last September 2025, fishermen resorted to road blockades, protesting vehemently against pharmaceutical and other companies for allegedly dumping chemical waste into the sea near their coast. This unchecked pollution was posing a grave danger to marine life and severely impacting their income. Their demands were clear: immediate closure of polluting factories and robust government action against the culprits.