Institutions and Collective Action for Enhancing Livelihoods in Inland Fisheries: Role of Governance in Telangana

Abstract

"Fisheries is an important sector which contributes to livelihoods of fishermen and those involved in marketing fish. Fisheries sector as a livelihood also contributes to food and nutritional security apart from sustaining the fresh water ecosystem. Inland fisheries contribute significantly to food security and economic security by providing primary sources of animal protein, essential nutrients and income (Welcomme et al 2010). Inland fisheries in Telangana have been mostly confined to capture fisheries in reservoirs and tanks under lease/license system. The utilization of surface water commons (reservoirs, tanks etc) owned by the government optimally is imperative to the growth of the sector for improving the production and productivity in Telangana. With focus on enhancing irrigation and drinking water facilities in the form of irrigation projects in Krishna and Godavari river systems and Mission Kakatiya, a renewed focus is laid on improving the water storage capacity of water bodies and increasing the water spread area."