Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Aug 14: Fisheries contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and the state government is providing various facilities to fishermen while safeguarding their interests, said Lakshmi Hebbalkar, minister for women and child development and Udupi district in-charge minister.
She was speaking after inaugurating an awareness workshop on the importance of life-saving equipment in fisheries, organised by the Udupi district administration and the fisheries department at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hall in the Udupi Deputy Commissioner’s office on August 14.
“Fishermen risk their very lives when they venture into the sea for fishing. Mahatma Gandhi envisioned the development of villages, and the primary goal of every gram panchayat is to ensure that all facilities and benefits reach the grassroots level. It is heartening to see that Vandse gram panchayat is fulfilling this vision and has become a role model for the state through its commendable initiatives.
“For the safety and progress of the district, the SP is working on law and order, the DC is ensuring the safety of fishermen, and the CEO is focusing on overall development. Fishing is the livelihood of our people, yet even when advised not to venture into the sea during risky times, some still go out to earn their bread and unfortunately lose their lives.
“Today, as an experiment, the district administration has organised this programme for the first time. Many lives could have been saved if those lost at sea had worn life jackets. While we can only create awareness and preventive measures, the responsibility to safeguard your life lies with you. In the future, the district administration will visit the three ports in the district to conduct similar workshops. I sincerely pray for the long life and safety of all fishermen,” she said.
Deputy commissioner Swaroop T K said, “Our district has about 98 km of coastline where active fishing takes place. Occasionally, unfortunate incidents occur. Fishing at sea is a daily activity, but during the monsoon, rough conditions make it risky. In the last five years, 141 fishermen have lost their lives. While we provide compensation, the real loss is the loss of life. This awareness programme has been organised to teach fishermen how to use the safety equipment provided by the government. Coastal Police Force, the NDRF, and Eshwar Malpe will conduct the workshop.”
On the occasion, the minister distributed land title deeds and house sanction documents to fishermen. Under the savings relief scheme, cheques of Rs 3,000 each were given to beneficiaries, and life-saving equipment was distributed.
Zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, president of Udupi district Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, president of Udupi Urban Development Authority Dinkar Herur, president of Udupi Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee Ramesh Kanchan, member of the State Distress Relief Committee Madan Kumar, joint director of fisheries Vivek and others were present.