Fishermen's subsidy on diesel will soon be linked to several compliances which will be introduced in the coming months. These compliances would be for better maritime security and surveillance on the western coast of India.
Fishermen's subsidy on diesel will soon be linked to several compliances which will be introduced in the coming months. These compliances would be for better maritime security and surveillance on the western coast of India.
"There are plans for making mechanised fishing boats get certain colours painted on their cabins, hulls, wheel houses and upper portions for easy identification," said a source. Moreover, a boat's registration number and name will have to be painted black at two places — cabin roof and near the stem.
Additionally, whenever mechanised fishing boats are going for a catch, they will have to provide the authorities at the starting or landing points on the coast with some details. These details would include name and number of people who will sail, total quantity of fuel they will carry, when are they scheduled to return, etc.
If a fishing trawler doesn't return as per the schedule provided, it will be contacted through communication systems. This will be followed by launching a search mission, if required. Furthermore, the erring mechanised boat will not get subsidised diesel and will have to purchase it as a bulk consumer, which is expensive.
For quick implementation of colour coding, the fishermen will be given a deadline. If the mechanised boats are not colour coded within the stipulated time, subsidy on diesel will be withdrawn.
Maharashtra has a 720km-long coastline and as per 2006-07 estimate, there are 12,000 mechanised and 11,000 non-mechanised boats in the state. The authorities say that these numbers have only increased.
Presently, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal and Gujarat have either implemented or are in the process of implementing colour coding of mechanised fishing boats.
These measures are part of the union ministry of home affairs guidelines issued for strengthening coastal security, whereby the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy and Coastal Police would be aided for effective surveillance. These guidelines were finalised after the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.
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