Moily asks K'taka Govt to provide ex-gratia to rain victims

Udupi, June 3 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister M Veerappa Moily today urged the State Government to take immediate steps for the speedy release of compensation to the fishermen, who died in a mishap mid-sea following heavy rains and put up permanent dredging facility along the coast to reduce future mishaps.

Talking to newspersons after inspecting the flood damages in Malpe and Mangalore, he said dredging work at the mouth of the sea in Mangalore had been carried out during his Chief Ministership.

However, no dredging had been taken up after the commissioning of the Malpe fisheries harbour at Malpe.

Mr Moily said eight boats -- seven in Udupi district and one in Dakshina Kannada district -- have drowned. As the boats were not insured, the Government should soon take steps to provide adequate compensation to the boat owners.

The former Chief Minister, who held discussions with fishermen leaders here, said he had asked them to submit a memorandum to the Union Finance Minister to reduce the insurance premium.

Lauding Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for visiting Mangalore and Malpe soon after torrential rains pounded the areas, Mr Moily said steps should also be taken up for the expansion of the third phase of Malpe fisheries harbour as the area had become inadequate with the number of fisheries boats having drastically increased.

He said he would urge the Union Agriculture Minister and Finance Minister to provide loans to fishermen at seven per cent interest rate for purchasing boats, treating fishing on par with agriculture.

The State Government should also provide loan to the fishermen community at four per cent interest on the lines of farmers.

UNI MA GD PR PC1849