Date:13/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/13/stories/2008071359941300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Nod for expansion of fishing harbour

Staff Reporter

GUNTUR: The Department of Forests has given permission for expansion of Nizampatnam Fishing Harbour. The department believes that not much of endangered mangrove forests will be destroyed.

In and around Nizampatnam port, the number of fishing boats will increase in the days to come with the Forest Department giving clearance for occupying 2 km stretch around the port for creating berthing facilities for some mechanised boats for local fishermen community. The number of boats that operate from this fishing harbour is expected to increase to 350.

“Some of the land has mangrove forest, but the damage is minimal compared to the advantage the expansion of the port would accrue,” Conservator of Forest Anup Singh said. Currently, some traditional boats and low-capacity mechanised boat venture out of this port for fishing.