Fishermen demand kerosene for traditional boats

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Feb 27, 2018: A large number of fishermen gathered at the DC office demanding release of kerosene to the traditional fishing crafts on Feb 26, Monday.

 

Handing a memorandum to Udupi DC Priyanka Mary Francis, Naveenchandra from Kundapur Taluk Traditional Fishermen Association said, “The state government has assured supply of kerosene at a subsidised rate for traditional fishing boats, but has not released from December to February. Kerosene was offered through PDS shops or fisheries’ cooperatives till November. For the months when fishing is banned, the traditional fishermen need kerosene to run their business. But the facility sits stuck at the Food Corporation.”

He added, “The kerosene offered at a subsidised price is essential for the survival of the livelihood of the fishermen. There are 4,514 country boats in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts and consume at least 1,355 kilolitres of kerosene every month.”

He demanded that the state government issue a banning order against purse seine boats for using lights while fishing, which harms the breeds, and against the bull trawl fishing as well.