Fishermen claim neglect in midst of political drama

Mumbai: Fishermen in the state alleged on Tuesday that all political parties have ignored their plight in the midst of the ongoing political pandemonium.

Kiran Koli, secretary of the Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti (MMKS), said that the losses incurred by fishermen in the last four months could be pegged at Rs 2,500 crores.

“Due to the political drama going on in Maharashtra, fishermen have been neglected. The saddest part is that even the MLAs elected in the six coastal districts of the Konkan region have not raised their voice about this issue till date. A loss of around Rs 500 crore was estimated till September after which cyclones such as Kyarr and Maha led to further loss in October and November. The period between September and November is considered peak season but we could not go fishing due to the ban,” Mr Koli said.

“We demanded of the fisheries department that licence officers of all coastal districts enquire about investment in diesel, manpower, nets, trips taken and catch per trip and accordingly estimate the loss,” he added.

The Akhil Maharashtra Macchimar Kruti Samiti has demanded that each fisherman be compensated at least Rs 25,000 and around Rs 1 lakh for losses incurred in boats.

“While the parties are engaged in a tussle for power, none of them have helped us. The recently-formed BJP government provided money to the farmers within two days, but no assistance to us. It will take long to survey fishermen’s losses across the state coast, which is why immediate relief should be given,” said Damodar Tandel, president of the AMMKS.