Harshini Brahamavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SS)

Udupi, May 18: Boats and ships that venture into the deep sea have been anchored in Malpe port ahead of schedule of the monsoon.

Fishermen who ventured into the deep sea during Asani cyclone period have sought refuge in other harbours of the neighbouring states due to their inability to reach their respective places.

Union Ministry of Fisheries has directed those boats that are stuck in other states to be given adequate space in the nearby harbours.

With winds blowing at the speed of 40 to 50 kmph, the Indian Meteorological department has warned fishermen against entering into the sea during the next 24 hours as a precautionary measure.

Officials at the taluk, district and designated nodal officers of the local disaster management committee are working around the clock to ensure safety and manage any disasters if they occur.

Deputy commissioner M Kurma Rao has directed people living in low lying areas to shift to safer locations.

Fishing activity used to end every year on May 21 and commence after August 15. This year the district administration has instructed fishermen to anchor their boats 15 days ahead of schedule due to the Asani cyclone forcing them to face losses. With the fish catch decreasing year after year and the district administration imposing curbs on supply of diesel to fishermen, the community is facing an uncertain future.

Tukaram M said fishermen are demanding higher fuel subsidy and are burdened with payment to be made to workers which has compounded their woes.

Around 50 boats have reached the ports with the Malpe being the biggest port in the state. Four boats from Tamil Nadu have sought refuge in Malpe.

Fishermen have requested adequate facilities to be provided to anchor their boats in other states. Out of 9,000 boats in Malpe, 1,000 boats are state boats, 700 of them are deep sea vessels. There are 300 small and Persian boats. Fishing activity is likely to come to a halt completely in the next two days and all eyes are on boats that are reaching Malpe, according to Kumaraswamy, deputy director of department of ports.