Pulicat Fishermen Demand GPS Demarcation of Fishing Grounds as T.N.-Andhra Tensions Flare

Fishermen operating in the Pulicat Lake have called on the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments to demarcate fishing grounds using GPS technology, citing escalating disputes over fishing rights in the shared brackish water lagoon. The demand was raised amid ongoing tensions between fishermen from both states, who frequently accuse each other of encroaching on traditional fishing areas.

The Pulicat Lake, India's second-largest brackish water lagoon, spans the border between the two southern states and supports thousands of fishing families. Disputes over boundaries have led to clashes, arrests, and confiscation of boats and nets. Fishermen say that without a clear, technology-driven demarcation, the cycle of conflict will continue. Previous attempts to resolve the issue through bilateral talks have stalled, with both states claiming jurisdiction over overlapping areas.

The fishermen's demand for GPS demarcation highlights the need for a modern, transparent approach to managing shared water resources. If adopted, it could serve as a model for resolving similar inter-state water boundary disputes across India. However, it requires political will from both governments. The next step would be for the two states to convene a joint committee to discuss the proposal, possibly involving the central government. Global observers of water governance will watch whether this local initiative can overcome entrenched political and administrative hurdles.