After blaze destroys 14 boats, fishermen seek compensation from govt | Bhubaneswar News
Kendrapada: A day after 14 fishing vessels were destroyed in a fire at Paradip fishing harbour, affected fishermen on Friday demanded proper compensation from the govt.
“This is not just a loss of property but a direct attack on the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. We demand immediate compensation for the affected fishermen,” said Srikant Parida, president of Odisha Marine Fish Producers Association (OMFPA).
“We have repeatedly urged the govt to establish a fire station near the fishing harbour, but no action was taken by the authorities. The fishing harbour must be equipped with proper firefighting systems, hydrants and trained personnel to prevent future disasters,” added Parida.
Built in 1998 to berth 350 boats, the fishing harbour jetty is overcrowded with nearly 1,000 mechanised and motorised boats. Around 15-20 seized boats are also occupying space, making navigation and berthing hazardous, the fishermen claimed.
“With no space to manoeuvre, boats were trapped, fuelling the inferno, said Parida. Fishing ban over 20 km in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary forces boats into deeper, more dangerous waters, increasing costs and risks,” he added.
“This is not just a loss of property but a direct attack on the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. We demand immediate compensation for the affected fishermen,” said Srikant Parida, president of Odisha Marine Fish Producers Association (OMFPA).
“We have repeatedly urged the govt to establish a fire station near the fishing harbour, but no action was taken by the authorities. The fishing harbour must be equipped with proper firefighting systems, hydrants and trained personnel to prevent future disasters,” added Parida.
Built in 1998 to berth 350 boats, the fishing harbour jetty is overcrowded with nearly 1,000 mechanised and motorised boats. Around 15-20 seized boats are also occupying space, making navigation and berthing hazardous, the fishermen claimed.
“With no space to manoeuvre, boats were trapped, fuelling the inferno, said Parida. Fishing ban over 20 km in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary forces boats into deeper, more dangerous waters, increasing costs and risks,” he added.
