AP govt gives RS7.11 cr aid to Vizag boat fire victims

Visakhapatnam: In a record time of four days after a major fire reduced several mechanised boats to ashes at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, the State Government here on Thursday handed over a compensation of Rs 7.11 crore to the boat owners and those who lost livelihood due to the incident even as the investigation officials have stepped up their efforts to find out the cause that triggered the tragedy. As per the announcement made by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, a committee comprising the officials from the Fisheries and Revenue Departments made the assessment of the damage and based on the report, 80 per cent of the loss suffered by the victims was compensated. The boat owners had failed to insure their vessels, ruling out any compensation by insurance firms. While 80 per cent of the loss suffered by 30 fully burnt boat owners and 18 whose vessels suffered partial damage, was compensated, fishermen who bank on going as crew on voyage of these damaged boats and those who eke out of living by selling and supply ice to the boat owners, were given a compensation of Rs 10,000 per family.

Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Seediri Appalaraju said Chief Minister Reddy’s direction to pay compensation immediately has been fulfilled realising the urgency of the situation. Several party leaders including MP Mopidevi Venkataramana, regional coordinator YV Subba Reddy, local MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar and others were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Appalaraju said they will pay the dues towards diesel subsidy to fishermen pending during the previous government. He said the Chief Minister has asked the officials to release dues to the tune of Rs 4 crore within 15 days. The government during the elections promised to pay a diesel subsidy of Rs 9 per litre.