Lok Sabha Question No. 2280 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-20
Subject: Fisherfolk in Vizhinjam
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: N.K. Premachandran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2280 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH  DECEMBER, 2022

## Fisherfolk in Vizhinjam

## 2280.   SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:

## Will  the  Minister  of FISHERIES,  ANIMAL  HUSBANDRY  AND  DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that fisherfolk in Vizhinjam Kerala is under protest, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government seek report from the State Government regarding the protest and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to consider the demand put forth by the fisherfolk in Vizhinjam and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to ensure livelihood to the fisherfolk and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to reduce the price of Kerosene or give subsidy to Kerosene supply to the fisherfolk and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether the Government proposes to intervene this matter to  ensure  the  welfare  of fisherfolk and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

## (SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

(a)  to  (f):        The  Government  of  Kerala  has  informed  that  a  group  of  fishermen  and  local people  at  Vizhinjam  protested  against  the  construction  of  Vizhinjam  International  Seaport Limited and their main allegation is that the construction of seaport causes sea erosion and affects  their  livelihood.  The  Government  have  taken  effective  measures  and  settled  the protest amicably and now the construction of the Vizhinjam port is going on smoothly. The Department  of  Fisheries,  Ministry  of  Fisheries,  Animal  Husbandry  and  Dairying  under Pradhan  Mantri  Matsya  Sampada  Yojana  (PMMSY)  is  taking  steps  for  promoting  the livelihoods and welfare of fisherfolk. These include Livelihood and Nutritional support for socio-economically backward active traditional  fishers  families  during  fishing  ban  periods, providing  subsidy  for  purchase  of  new  fishing  boats  and  nets  including  deep  sea  fishing vessels, subsidy for purchase of various devices such as communication and Potential Fishing Zone  (PFZ)  devices,  safety  related  devices  etc.  and  support  for  Training  and  Capacity Building  of  fishers  etc.  Besides,  the  Government  of  Kerala  has  informed  that  the  State  is implementing  a  project  called  Punargaeham  which  aims  to  rehabilitate  all  the  families residing within 50m High Tide Level. In order to enhance the fish stock, the Government is also  implementing  sea  ranching  programme  and  construction  of  artificial  reefs  in  the  sea. Such fish stock enhancement programmes are aiming to help the fishers to improve their fish catch thereby to have a stable economic status. Apart from this, programmes like assistance for Education, women empowerment, skill development, alternate livelihood, distribution of fishing  implements,  sanctioning  interest  free  loans  etc  are  also  implemented  by  the  State Government. It is further informed that the  Government of Kerala is providing a kerosene subsidy  of  Rs.25  per  litre  for  fishing  activities  to  fisherfolk.  The  Government  has  already taken effective measures for the upliftment of the socio economic status of fishermen through a number of welfare schemes and programmes.

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