Archbishop M Soosapakiam writes to PM Modi seeking Rs 3,500 crore package

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram Latin Catholic Archbishop M. Soosapakiam wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday seeking a compensation of Rs 3,500 crore. The details of the package submitted by the archbishop are as follows: a sustainable compensation fund for the deceased, the missing families and permanently disabled families- Rs 300 crores, Satellite Tracking System and VHF Radio Sets- Rs 80 crores, Marine Ambulances- Rs 70 crores, Compensation for Lost Vessels and replacement of Small vessels- Rs 800 crores, Integrated Housing with basic Amenities- Rs 1,250 crores, Coastal Protection Measures- Rs 750 crore, Disaster Preparedness and rescue operations- Rs 250 crores.

The archbishop also sought the establishment of an exclusive ministry to coordinate and effectively manage the affairs of the coastal and fisheries affairs in the country. He also wanted the Prime Minister to declare Cyclone Ockhi and all other sea disasters as natural calamities as spelt out clearly in the National Marine Fisheries Policy which the Central Government promulgated on April 28.

Introducing Autopilot Systemized Crafts for search operations and establishing Joint Operation Units in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, were other demands. In collaboration with the ISRO, a satellite based tracking system should be provided in every fishing boat of fisherman going for deep sea fishing with a VHF Radio set unit . He also wanted the centre to start a Wireless Personal Communication office in Thiruvananthapuram with the authority to give licenses for VHF sets for use in boats.