MP Gurumurthy Questions Government Over Fishermen’s Safety
Gurumurthy said YSRC president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had taken up the issue with the Union government and Indian missions in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, seeking intensified efforts to trace the fishermen.
TIRUPATI: YSRC MP Dr M. Gurumurthy on Thursday questioned the state government over the safety of fishermen, asking what steps were being taken to prevent repeated accidents and ensure their safe return from the sea.
Speaking to reporters in Tirupati, Gurumurthy cited the rescue of seven fishermen from Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district after they remained stranded at sea for nearly 24 days. He said the incident highlighted the need to strengthen safety measures for fishermen.
Gurumurthy said YSRC president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had taken up the issue with the Union government and Indian missions in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, seeking intensified efforts to trace the fishermen.
He said fishing boat accidents and cases of fishermen going missing were being reported regularly and demanded safety audits for all boats, besides life jackets and other essential equipment.
He also sought satellite phones, GPS trackers and functional navigation equipment with adequate power backup, along with immediate repairs to faulty transponders. He called for better coordination among departments and training and financial support for fishermen to strengthen safety systems.
