Kollam: The real heroes of flood-hit areas, the fishermen who saved the lives of thousands of stranded people, received a befitting honour by the government on Thiruvonam day. Minister J. Mercykkutty Amma inaugurated the programme jointly organised by the district administration, Kollam Corporation, and the Mat-syafed at Vadi harbour here on Saturday.
“The model put forward by the fishermen saving the lives of others even ignoring their livelihood is a pride for the entire country,” the minister said, adding that the state government would repair all boats damaged during the resuce operation.
“The Government has allotted Rs 2.5 cr for repairing these boats. It is also thinking of replacing those completely damaged with new ones. Damaged engines will also be repaired,” Ms. Mercykkutty Amma said.
The government is also working on a draft to protect the income of fishermen by announcing a base value for fish as part of bringing more fishermen to the mainstream, she added.
The fishermen were felicitated by the minister by presenting them with certificate of appreciation. The minister also congratulated all other officials including the police those who took part in the rescue operations.
Minster for Forests K. Raju distributed new dress to the fishermen at the function. “The rescue operations led by fishermen prove that not only land and sea but mountain terrain is also safe in their hands,” Mr. Raju said.
He also appreciated the efforts taken by Forest department in rescue ope-rations in Forest areas. Certificates of appreciation by the Kollam cor-poration and district ad-ministration and mementoes by the Kollam city police were also distributed at the function.
