Boat owners reduce fishing trips

RAMANATHAPURAM: Fishermen and boat owners have minimised their fishing trips, owing to the expiry of the diesel subsidy date and the 45-day ban order which would be implemented from April 14.
The government is providing 1,500 litre diesel subsidy for each boat every month to reduce the financial burden for boat owners. The date of diesel subsidy expired on March 30.   The State government has to allot fund for the subsidy during the new financial year.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to implement the annual ban order of 45 days for fishing across the state to enhance the fish population.  Therefore, low number of boats are setting out to sea for fishing in Rameswaram.  Bose, fisherman association leader, told Express that the diesel subsidy would be given after May and the boat owners of this area have to bear the full burden of the diesel price.
However, the Fisheries Department is issuing token for many fishermen, while it is the boat owners who have to take a decision whether to go for fishing.   An official source from the department said that the fishermen would not pay interest on fishing due to the ensuing ban order.
“Despite that, the diesel subsidy has been stopped since March 30 and the licence and diesel subsidy would be renewed shortly,” the source added.

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