Visakhapatnam: Ring net rowing resumed in the sea off Visakhapatnam. A group of traditional fishermen under the banner of "Ring Valala Vyatireka Ikyavedika" alleged that some fishermen in and around Vizag had been using ring nets in the restricted area (within 8 km) of the Bay of Bengal. They also alleged that the ring nets hit hard on their livelihoods, but no action had been initiated against the violators.
Teddu Shankar of the Ikyavedika said that though the ban on using the ring nets was announced by the AP High Court, their use continues in parts of Vizag district. He said that a few years ago, the number of ring nets was 42 and the fisheries department had given permission to use only 13 ring nets. Now, the number has increased to 115 in the Vizag and Bheemili areas and of those, only 9 ring nets were given permission.
The assistant director of fisheries department S. Govinda Rao said that the issue was brought to the notice of the collector after receiving the representation from Ikyavedika.
"We are monitoring the situation with the assistance of police personnel to avoid clashes," Govinda Rao said.
It may be recalled that the simmering discontent between traditional and ring net fishermen in Vizag turned into a full-blown battle off the Vizag coast in January this year.
At least six fishermen were injured, six fishing boats were set ablaze, and section 144 was imposed at Peda Jalaripeta in the incident. Fishing was banned for a month during the peak season.
