Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday disbursed compensation to the families of fishermen who had gone missing in the sea during Cyclone Ockhi. In all, an amount of ?18.40 crore was sanctioned by the government for the families of 92 fishermen. Compensation of ?20 lakh was distributed to the aggrieved families on Tuesday. Inaugurating the function on the premises of the Madre-de-Deus Church at Vettucaud on Tuesday evening, Mr. Vijayan said while 92 fishermen had been named missing, the body of one of them was recovered recently. As many as 49 fishermen were found dead earlier. With this, the total number of people who had died or gone missing has been pegged at 141, according to the information compiled by the State Disaster Management Authority. Certain quarters have raised claims that there are many more who remain unaccounted. The government is willing to make additions to the official figures, besides ensuring equivalent compensation to the respective families, Mr. Vijayan said. Pointing out that the government had implemented relief measures at an unprecedented scale, Mr. Vijayan said three marine ambulances would be procured from the Cochin Shipyard.Besides, the government would ensure that 1.4 lakh fishermen are provided mobile alerts regarding weather forecast, fish availability and other information. For this, deep sea fishing vessels would be equipped with satellite-based navigational equipment that will utilise NAVIC, the regional satellite navigation system of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Life jackets will also be distributed to all fishermen, he said.In addition, a committee led by former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand will formulate a special package of ?2,000 crore for coastal protection. Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan presided over the function. Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, Deputy Speaker V. Sasi, Shashi Tharoor, MP, V.S. Sivakumar, K. Ansalan and M. Vincent, MLA, were also present at the function..
2018, The Hindu