Completion of Fishing Harbour, Establishment of Ice Factory, and Other Facilities Promised*
* CM Chandrababu Naidu in an Interaction with Fishermen at Budagatlapalem*
Etcherla, April 26, 2025: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu interacted directly with fishermen at Budagatlapalem in Etcherla constituency. He first spoke with Polesh and Ramalakshmi, a fisherman couple. Polesh explained that around 600 families in the village depend entirely on fishing for their livelihood, and during rough sea conditions, boats often capsize, putting lives at risk. He emphasized that the establishment of a fishing harbour would not only make fishing easier but also significantly reduce such dangers. He also brought to the Chief Minister’s attention that the previous government had failed to provide fishermen with essentials like nets and motors.
Responding to them, CM Chandrababu Naidu said he had personally come to Budagatlapalem to listen to their problems and to understand what needed to be done to improve their lives. As part of the Matsyakarula Sevalo (In the Service of Fishermen) programme, he stated that ₹20,000 is being provided as financial assistance during the fishing ban period. Additionally, to support children's education, he announced that starting next month, under the Talli Ki Vandanam scheme, each student would receive ₹15,000. He assured them that the construction of the fishing harbour would be completed soon.
*We Will Establish an Ice Factory and Provide Other Facilities: CM*
Later, the Chief Minister met with another group of fishermen and interacted with Kari Rambabu, Seetogya, and Errayya. They explained the challenges they face when going fishing at midnight, uncertain whether they would return safely. They mentioned the lack of necessary materials and boxes to carry the catch and the difficulty of operating with small boats. They said that completing the fishing harbour would provide employment not just for them but for the surrounding villages as well. They also pointed out that since many have to rent boats, they are unable to fully benefit from the fruits of their hard labor. The fishermen explained that having a fishing harbour would also create a local market for their catch.
The Chief Minister responded by saying that, along with completing the fishing harbour, they would also establish an ice factory and create additional opportunities for the fishermen. When he asked how much their income would increase with these improvements, the fishermen replied that it would rise by at least 50%. CM Chandrababu noted that fishermen have always stood by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and said that special programs are being designed specifically for their welfare. The fishermen expressed their happiness, saying it was a great fortune for them that the Chief Minister himself had visited their village.
A Warm Interaction*
Later, CM Chandrababu warmly greeted dried fish vendors Lakshmamma, Seetamma, and Paidamma, asking them affectionately how they were doing. He inquired about the fish drying methods and their daily earnings.
Finally, at the Community Hall, he interacted with boat repair workers Mailapalli Pothuraju and Kari Rambabu. He inspected the ice boxes used for fish storage and the fishing nets, and he personally learned about the issues they were facing.
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