In the wake of the ongoing struggles faced by the John Peta Fishermen Cooperative Society, we recently approached the Collector, Shri J. Nivas, to appeal for the restoration of the land currently under the illegal possession of the Forest Department. The society has been grappling with the consequences of the Kolleru Operation, which was carried out in 2006, resulting in the displacement of the fisherfolk from the areas falling within +5 contour lines, both inside and outside the Kolleru boundaries.

During the operation, the society had lost around 30 acres of land within the +5 contour line and an additional 30.21 acres beyond the +5 contour line due to the unmarked pillars and inadequate demarcation by the authorities. The discrepancy in demarcation led to the encroachment of the society’s land, causing significant distress and inconvenience to the community.

The inadequacies in the demarcation process and the subsequent encroachment of the society’s land within the +5 contour line has been a primary concern. Despite the marking of pillars only along the +5 contour border, our land has been erroneously claimed, resulting in an ongoing dispute that has severely affected the livelihoods and well-being of our marginalized community.

After continued efforts and engagement with the local administration, including the involvement of the Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) and Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), a survey was conducted in 2011, leading to the identification of 30.21 acres of land within the +5 contour line, situated outside the Kolleru area. However, it was only in 2020 that the official survey reports confirmed the society’s possession of the said 30.21 acres of land.

Based on the survey reports, maps, and survey numbers, we have appealed to the District Collector, Shri J. Nivas, to initiate necessary measures for the restoration of our land and to ensure justice for our marginalized community.

This issue has been highlighted during various community programs, and the Youth Association has been actively working to bring attention to the plight of the John Peta Fishermen Cooperative Society. The participation of community leaders, including President Madan, Secretary Vijay, Vice President Satish, Pedda Ravi, and Paneendra Kiran, has been instrumental in bringing this issue to the forefront of public discourse.