: With constant hike in diesel prices, the trawler owners are facing a tough time these days. While catches are depleting, cost of fishing including diesel, net, ice and machineries is increasing exponentially, rued the trawler owners in a meeting held on Sunday.
In an All Odisha Trawlers’ Federation meeting, the functionaries besides stating that they have been facing financial losses for last five to seven years, yet currently the situation has grown unbearable and it has been very difficult for them to stay put under the circumstances. They also said that about 10 lakh families are dependent on the trade directly and indirectly. The crisis has been aggravated and it is difficult to maintain their livelihood, they told. The Government is collecting about Rs 800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore per annum from the trade yet the trawler owners are not getting any financial relief, they lamented stating they want that VAT be relaxed in Odisha like other States.
The association also alleged that the trawlers and fishing vessels are being harassed by the Forest Department and their boats are seized and fishermen are arrested even though they adhere to the restricted and prohibited fishing zones.
Federation president Kameswar Nayaran Praharaj , secretary Sumant Kumar Biswal and Balramgadi Association president Narendra Bihari Das were among others who spoke in the meeting, highlighting their plight.