Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Plea to rehabilitate displaced fishermen

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) has urged the government to take immediate steps to relocate fishermen families from the vulnerable areas of the coast before the onset of the South-West monsoon when strong waves invade the beaches.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, KSMTF State president T. Peter and general secretary A. Andrews said the government had made no effort to rehabilitate the families that were relocated to temporary relief camps after their houses were washed away in 2006. They accused the government of diverting Rs.100 crore funds from the Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme for the development of tourism sector.

The federation urged the government to issue kerosene permits for outboard engines and increase the quota of kerosene. “At a time when the depletion of fish stocks is forcing fishermen to venture further out to the deep sea, the government is slashing the monthly quota for boats,” Mr. Peter said. He demanded that the quota be raised to 300 litres.

“After purchasing a new engine, fishermen now have to wait for three to four years for the kerosene quota. During this period, they are forced to depend on the black market for fuel. This pushes them into a debt trap. The only solution is to ensure that the permit is issued as soon a new engine is purchased,” he said. The federation leaders called upon the Central and State governments to ensure that the debt relief programme for fishermen was implemented without hitches. They feared that members of bogus organisations would appropriate the benefits of the programme. They urged the government to ensure that the debt relief reached all eligible fishermen.

KSMTF would join the nation-wide campaign from May 1 to June 27.

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