Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 4: Minister for fisheries, ports and inland water transport, S Angara, said that the practicability of granting subsidy for installing units which convert saline water into freshwater in the deep sea fishing boats will be considered.

He was speaking after inspecting the demonstration of the units which are suitable for fishing boats which process saline water and convert the same into freshwater, near the estuary next to the fishing dock at Bunder near the old port along with the officials of the department on Friday September 3.

The minister noted that this unit is convenient for the fishermen. "When leaving for deep sea fishing, the fishermen face the need to carry large quantities of freshwater to meet drinking, bath and other purposes that should last for 15 days. Instead, if this unit is fitted in the boats, the need to carry huge amounts of water can be avoided. With this, the boats get additional storage capacity and space, he felt.

Fishermen leader Ramachander Baikampady, noted that this technology is already in use by the fishermen of Europe and other countries. He said he feels this unit can be handy for the fishermen here, duly adding that the idea of fixing these units here for the first time in the country is under consideration.

Fisheries department director, Ramacharya, said that the quality of the water obtained from the unit needs to be certified by the competent department. He pointed out that if the unit develops problems when in sea, the people may have to struggle to get freshwater. He stated that the attention of the minister has been drawn about the necessity to discuss how such problems will be handled," he said.

The unit, powered by modern technology, costs about Rs 4.5 lac. It processes about 2,000 litres of water every day.