A massive fishers and fish farmers outreach program namely Sagar Parikrama Yatra led by Hon’ble Union Minister, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is being undertaken since March 2022 through a pre-decided sea route from Gujarat to West Bengal covering around 8000 km of India’s coastline.
Sagar Parikrama aims to meet the fishers at their door-steps and understand their issues and grievances, promote sustainable fishing and publicise the schemes and programs of the government and it has been instrumental so far. During Sagar Parikrama, fishers get an opportunity to interact with Union Ministers and key officials of Department of Fisheries, Government of India, State Government and other stake holders at their door- step.
Moving with the same spirit, Hon’ble Union Minister received a received a text message regarding capsized boat from a local fisherman who met him in Colachel during previous phase of Sagar Parikrama. Union Minister, FAH&D issued directives immediately to concerned agencies for undertaking intense rescue operation of missing fishermen onboard fishing boat operating from Colachel Fishing Harbour.
Hon’ble Union Minister met with family members of fishermen assured them for immediate intense search and rescue operation.
On 08.1.2023 during diving operations, mortal remains of one fishermen have been recovered by the divers. Search operations are still ongoing to locate the mortal remains of the second fishermen.
With these endeavours and attempts, the Sagar Parikrama is expected to achieve its goal of achieving open communication and feedback while also build trust between the fishermen communities and proves an instrumental in resolving issues of the fishers.