A large amount out of Rs.14.07 crore sanctioned to fishermen for the damages suffered during cyclone Hudhud to their boats and towards release of subsidy for construction of 300 new boats in lieu of the fibre crafts lost has lapsed for failure to utilise them by March 31.
Of the sanctioned amount, Rs.8.07 crore has been earmarked for payment of relief to the fishermen affected by Hudhud and sanction of 50 per cent subsidy for construction of new boats in place of the crafts lost.
District Collector N. Yuvaraj in a letter (Rc. No. 1320/C/2014 (Fish) dated April 6, 2015 sent to Commissioner of Fisheries sought release of Rs.3.13 crore – Rs.1.13 crore as relief for 47 cases and sanction of Rs.2 crore towards 50 per cent subsidy for construction of 100 new boats at Rs.2 lakh per unit.
Subsidy component
On utilisation of subsidy component, the Collector said that bankers had not given consent in time for construction of new boats in the place of boats lost and only Rs.8 lakh had been utilised against Rs.6 crore by March 31.
When contacted, he told The Hindu that they were pursuing the matter with the authorities for release of funds again.
Enquiries revealed that a revised GO had to be released for payment of additional amount of Rs.2 lakh to 38 damaged mechanised boats as per the promise made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Gant's plea
Reacting to the development, Minister for HRD Ganta Srinivasa Rao in a letter dated May 3 asked the Commissioner, Disaster Management and Ex-Officio Secretary to release Rs.3.13 crore immediately.
Extensive damage
Hudhud caused heavy damage to the mechanised and traditional boats which were anchored at the fishing harbour a few days before the cyclone battered the coast.
Seeking early release of funds, AP Mechanised Boat Operators’ Association president P.C. Appa Rao said the owners of five sunken boats -- Mylapalli Dilleswara Rao, Allipalli Atchanna, P. China Appa Rao, Sangani Vasu Devendra Rao and Yarlagadda Tirumala Rao -- should be given relief without any delay for construction/purchase of fishing boats.
The authorities concerned are being pursued for release of the funds again
N. Yuvaraj
District Collector
