Amaravati, February 20, 2026: Talks between fishermen groups from East Godavari and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema districts failed to resolve a long-standing dispute over wild prawn seed collection at the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage on the Godavari River.
The second round of discussions, held today at the Amalapuram Collectorate, ended without agreement. Joint Collectors from both districts mediated between the Dowleswaram Matsakara Sahakara Sangham and Bobbarlanka Matsakara Sangham, who claim exclusive rights to collect prawn seeds during the October-February season.
These seeds support commercial aquaculture, often supplied to farms in Telangana and Maharashtra.
The ban on collection remains in place as the Irrigation and Fisheries Departments prepare a detailed report on potential risks to the barrage's stability, river ecology, and aquatic life. Another round of talks is planned with elected representatives once the report is ready.
