Fishermen likely to get relief for ban period in Kakinada

Kakinada: The eligible fishermen in East Godavari district are likely to get compensation for the 61 days fishing ban period under the `Navaratnalu 'scheme. The YSRCP leaders, during campaigning in recent elections, had promised to provide compensation to the identified fishermen for the ban period.

Every year, the Fisheries department opts for fishing ban during breeding season along the 976 km seacoast in AP. Till 2014, the ban was implemented for 45 days, but since 2014 and after the NDA came to power, the ban period has been increased for 61days, from April 15 to June 14. In order to compensate the financial loss due to fishing ban period, the government extends assistance of Rs 4,000 for the period.

In total, 23,190 fishermen venture into sea in 4,004 mechanised and motored boats from 13 landing centers in the district. The department estimated that an amount of Rs 9. 27 crore is payable as fishing ban compensation.

Though the ban period of 61 days was completed three days ago, no order for release of payment received from government.

When contacted, East Godavari Joint Director of Fisheries V Venkateswara Rao said on Monday that they are in anticipation of Rs 10,000 compensation to fisher folk for the 61 day fish ban period.