Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Aug 12: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister, Kota Srinivas Poojary, said here on Tuesday August 11 that fishing activity had been temporarily suspended in the face of the coronavirus infection threat. He said that fishing will be resumed in the coast from September 1 onwards.
Speaking after presiding over a meeting convened at the office of the deputy commissioner of the district here on the issue of resuming of the fishing activity, Poojary disclosed that the matter of taking up fishing activity from August 15 onward was earlier considered. He clarified that because of the corona infection that has been spreading fast, the beginning of the season was postponed by another 15 days.
"As much as 75 percent of fishing workers here belong to other states. Before arriving in Karnataka, they have to apply through the Seva Sindhu app. Those coming into Karnataka should get themselves tested for coronavirus infection and must be in possession of negative certificate. Only such workers would be allowed to enter our district. As per COVID guidelines they have to be under compulsory quarantine of 14 days. The responsibility of taking care of such workers rests with the boat owners," he asserted.
The minister said that the district administration will conduct COVID tests for those arriving from other states free of cost. He added that the fishermen have been allowed to spend home quarantine period by maintaining a distance of three metres inside the boats. "The responsibility of ensuring this rests with the officials of fisheries department. Sanitizing of the market is mandatory. In the coming days, more developmental initiatives relating to fishing will be undertaken," he assured.
Additional deputy commissioner, M J Roopa, said that retail business has been totally banned in the fishing dock. Noting that six to seven thousand people get involved with transactions there every day, she said that teams appointed by the fishermen's associations have to ensure that thermal screening is done and social distance is maintained. She stated that the district administration will provide training for the formation of such teams.
District health officer Ramachandra Bairy, Parshwanath, Dinesh Kumar Kallera, presidents of different associations and unions, members, officials and others were present.