NGOs list demands in memorandum

Justin Antony, Founding President, International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET), in his memorandum, demanded the central government to make amendment in National Disaster Management Act and to announce cyclone ‘Ockhi’ as a national disaster.

He also reiterated that a National Disaster Management Centre should be set up at Thoothoor region. “Similarly, a Marine Rescue Coordination Centre should be set up at Thoothoor region for swift rescue works. A branch of the meteorological centre should be set up in Kanniyakumari district for immediate warning of fishermen,” he demanded. However, the most important demand of fishermen is the formation of a separate Ministry for Fishing at the centre. 

Only if a separate Ministry is formed, problems of fishermen would be addressed on an emergency basis, said Justin Antony. Father Churchill, General Secretary, South Asian Fishermen Fraternity (SAFF), in his memorandum, had demanded a Deep Sea Disaster Management Committee to be set up in the district. He also wanted a high tech communication coordination centre to be set up in Kanniyakumari district.

A helipad, helicopters and speed boats for faster rescue operation are a must in the district. All the mechanised boats should be fixed with facilities such as Radio Telephones (RTs) to contact them in case of contingency, added Father Churchill.

He wanted all the 257 missing fishermen to be declared dead and wanted a death certificate to be issued immediately. Families of 257 missing fishermen should be given compensation of Rs 25 lakh from the Prime Minister Relief Scheme, he said.