Deep-sea vessels provided to Rameswaram fishermen

Launching the distribution drive at a function held at the Secretariat here, Palaniswami said, “Rameswaram fishermen involved in traditional fishing methods such as trawlers are facingthe problem of frequent arrests from Sri Lankan Navy. The deep-sea fishing vessels are being distributed to prevent their arrests and to ensure a stable livelihood for them.”

The four vessels, manufactured in the ship building yard at Cochin, were constructed at a total cost of Rs 3.2 crore, with each costing Rs 80 lakh.

As much as 70 per cent of that amount would be given by the Central and State governments, while 20 per cent would be by way of institutional funding, including bank loans. The fishermen must bear the remaining 10 per cent cost, which would come around Rs 8 lakh.

The ship building yard in Cochin has been giventhe contract of manufacturing the boats and to handover them to Rameswaram fishermen.

Palaniswami also inaugurated a fish retail complex constructed within the Fisheries University (Madhavaram campus) at a cost of Rs 4 crore. He also inaugurated a large aquarium with an auditorium and touch screen computers at the eco-park in Chetpet. It has been constructed at a cost of Rs 6.93 crore.

The Chief Minister also distributed 5-watt Very High Frequency (VHF) equipment to country-boat fishermen and 25-watt VHF equipment for fishermen under the Fisheries Management for Sustainable Livelihoods (FIMSUL-II) scheme. It has been implemented under the Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction Project (CDRRP) at a cost of Rs 66.14 lakh.

The VHF equipment will ensure the safety of fishermen by sending them signals from themainland. The project is being implemented with the help of the World Bank.