Mankala S Vaidya
Credit: Special arrangement
Mangaluru: Minister for Fisheries, Port and Inland Water Transport Mankala S Vaidya handed over a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of two fishermen from Bengre region in Mangaluru who went missing after they ventured into deep sea for carrying out fishery activities on May 29.
Consoling the families, the minister said that the compensation is provided from the funds meant for fishery families in distress. “The rescue operations to trace the whereabouts of the missing fishermen are still on,” the minister said and assured of providing all necessary assistance to the affected families.
So far, the compensation to the families in distress was Rs 8 lakh. The state government has increased it to Rs 10 lakh, Vaidya meanwhile said.
Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, MLC Ivan D'Souza, Fisheries Department Director Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director Siddaiah, Deputy Director Dileep Kumar and leaders of fishermen association were present on the occasion.
'Prioritise safety of fishermen'
Vaidya conducted a meeting of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) officials at the District Headquarters of Indian Coast Guard Karnataka unit, in Mangaluru and suggested strengthening of safety measures for fishermen.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed that the fishermen jeopardise their lives while venturing into the deep sea, to support their families.
“The safety and well being of fishermen and their families is the top most priority of the department. The concerned authorities should be committed towards strict implementation of rules in fisheries activities,” he said and also urged to make all necessary arrangements and maintain alertness to rescue the fishermen in distress.
Coast Guard District HQ – Karnataka Commander DIG PK Mishra briefed the Minister about the ICG’s efforts and role towards ensuring safer seas for the fishermen community.
He emphasised the importance of following search and rescue protocol and requested all the fisheries association to have full knowledge of location of fishing boats so that assistance can be provided swiftly.
The importance of trained manpower was also discussed, so that the fishermen could take timely action in case of emergencies at sea. The fishermen were requested to religiously adhere to the weather warning.
The Indian Coast Guard officials intimated that the factors affecting the safety of fishermen depends on swift and coordinated response with timely inter-agency communication.