Sharp drop in fish fingerling supply raises concern in Anakapalli
A steep reduction in fish fingerling supply to major water bodies in Anakapalli district this year has raised concern among fishing communities, who fear a serious hit to their livelihoods.
The Fisheries Department, which usually releases over nine lakh fingerlings annually into reservoirs and tanks such as Kondakarla Ava, Ravanapalli (Golugonda), Komaravolu Ava (Rolugunta), Tandava, Mehadrigedda, and 54 other water bodies, has received approval this year for only about 1.3 lakh. District officials had sought allocation in line with the usual target.
Varieties such as Seelavathi, Bocchu, and Grass Carp are procured from hatcheries in Kaikaluru at Rs 1.60 per piece and released into local water bodies. Fishermen nurture the stock and depend on the harvest for year-round income.
Most of the fingerlings received so far have been released into Kondakarla Ava, leaving uncertainty over stocking in other tanks and reservoirs.
Kondakarla Ava, the second largest freshwater lake in the State after Kolleru, spreads over nearly 2,500 acres and supports around 250 fishing families, involving about 4,250 fishermen. The department generally releases 4 to 5 lakh fingerlings into the lake every year. Fishermen usually pool resources to purchase and release nearly five lakhs more.
This year, the department has not met even half the expected stocking level. Fishermen say the reduced supply will not sustain activity throughout the year.
“We spend from our own pockets to buy additional fingerlings. While the government rate is ₹1.60, the private price goes up to Rs 4. At least a subsidised supply would ease the burden,” said Pilli Govind, a fisherman from Kondakarla.
District Fisheries Development Officer G. Vijaya said a report had been sent seeking the remaining requirement. “We set a target of nine lakh fingerlings in 54 tanks and reservoirs. So far, only 1.3 lakh have been received. We are taking up the matter with higher authorities,” she said.
Fishing communities say adequate stocking is crucial, as any shortfall will affect fish availability and incomes in the coming months.