ven a year after devastation caused by cyclone Hudhud at the fishing harbour, some of the fishermen are yet to revive their fishing operations.
The reason: Their failure to get institutional finance and adequate compensation to repair/replace their damaged boats.
Though the State government announced compensation at the rate of Rs.20,000 to Rs.50,000 for minor damages, Rs.3 lakh for heavy damages and Rs.6 lakh to boats which could not be salvaged, it has not reached all the eligible fishermen.
Even khalasis and other crew, on an average eight engaged on a mechanised boat, have not been given livelihood compensation of Rs.10,000 as it was restricted to those, who used to work in boats damaged beyond repairs. In all, 35 boats were given a compensation of Rs.3 lakh and owners of fully damaged boats got Rs.6 lakh each. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had promised to provide enhanced compensation of Rs.2 lakh to severely damaged boats in addition to Rs.3 lakh but the relevant order is yet to be issued.
“The situation is very pathetic. Many fishermen are out of action with no means of earning as their boats are yet to resume fishing operations,” says Mugi Ramudu, general secretary of AP Mechanised Boat Operators’ Welfare Association.
Hectic activity
A visit to fishing harbour will see hectic activity with scores of carpenters engaged in construction of wooden boats. While some are undertaking repairs spending lakhs of rupees, others are going for complete reconstruction by using some parts retrieved from completely sunken boats after surrendering their licences.
“I got compensation of just Rs. 40,000 for my boat which suffered heavy damage in the aftermath of the cyclonic storm. Now I am forced to invest Rs.40 lakh on a new engine and other parts by borrowing loan from my relatives and friends after my failure to obtain institutional finance,” says M. Narasimhulu of Tippalavalasa near Bhogapuram.
“Speed engine itself costs Rs.10 lakh. I had to procure two lorry loads of teak from Denkada in Vizianagaram district. Now my boat will be ready for voyage in a month or so as I have engaged 15 workers to speed up the work,” Mr. Narasimhulu has told The Hindu.
