The Hindu Business Line : Disaster insurance for fishermen proposed

THERE is an urgent need to introduce special disaster insurance schemes for the sake of fishermen, as many of the occupational hazards in this traditional avocation are not covered in the present schemes, according to the Deputy Director, Bay of Bengal Studies, Andhra University, Dr S.V. Sudhakara Rao.

He was speaking here on Wednesday at a workshop organised by Keratam (wave) Network (a local NGO) and the district Federation of Traditional Fishermen on the impact of the recent tsunami on the lives of fishermen.

Dr Sudhakara Rao, himself hailing from the community, said the present group insurance schemes covering only the life of the fisherman were not satisfactory and there should be special schemes, with the fishermen paying a nominal premium and the State Governments paying the rest of it.

The vessels, the fishing gear and all other essentials should be covered. He also said that in the event of a disaster, such as a cyclone, it was often difficult to confirm the death of a fisherman. Many fishermen were often found missing. According to the Indian Evidence Act, a person found missing for more than seven years only could be presumed dead and, therefore, there was an inordinate delay in extending help to the families of fishermen.

He pleaded for amendments to the Act to facilitate speedier help. Dr Kameswara Rao, of the Keratam Network, said the Coastal Regulatory Zone stipulations should be strictly enforced. No tourism projects, hatcheries or resorts should be allowed within 500 metres of the sea.

Mangroves should be protected and steps should be initiated for their regeneration. The valuable lands on the shore near the sea should not be allotted for real estate traders, politicians or others. They should be used for the benefit of fishermen, he pleaded.

The District Forest Officer, Mr Ratnakar Jauhari, pleaded for raising of green belts on the shore for protecting the coastline.

The Joint Director of Fisheries, Mr Y. Prakasa Rao, explained to the audience the various schemes being taken up by the Government for the welfare of fishermen.

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