Fishing Mafia Thrives in Krishna River Basin
In several villages near the Krishna River, a fishing mafia is operating illegally. Areas like Vemulapadu, Munigeman, Penchalapadu, Gummadam, Yapparla, and villages in Chinnambayi Mandal such as Koppunuru, Kaluru Ayyavaripalli, Pedda Maru, Chinna Maru, and Gudem are heavily affected. Even areas in Nagar Kurnool district, like Pentlavelli and Kollapur, are seeing illegal activities.
These groups, working with some officials, are catching juvenile fish at night using illegal fishing nets. They dry these young fish and sell them in the black market. This illegal business has grown into a multi-crore operation, making it difficult for the government to protect fish stocks. The government has invested a lot of money to support local fishermen, but this illegal activity is ruining their efforts.
In places like Somashila, Manchalakatta, and Malleshwaram in Kollapur constituency, the use of illegal nets continues without stopping. Local sources reveal that police and fisheries department officials are receiving bribes of up to Rs 50,000 per catch, allowing the mafia to operate freely.
Reports say fishermen from Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are being hired to lay these illegal nets. The situation is worrying local fishermen, who fear that the fish population will soon be destroyed. They argue that if the authorities do not act quickly, their livelihoods will be at risk. Many are frustrated that the very officials responsible for protecting the fish are instead helping this illegal trade flourish.
