Ponnar bats for helicopter, coast guard base in Nagercoil

NAGERCOIL: Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan said, to save the fishermen in times of natural calamities as the district was surrounded by sea on three sides, a base for helicopter and coastal guards had to be established in the district.

Addressing the media, Pon Radhakrishnan said, he had inspected various villages that are affected by cyclone Okhi in the district. He assured that the district administration was taking count of the fishermen and was expanding its search operations. Officials have been sent to different states to search for fishermen from the State.  Meanwhile, the respective State government has notified Tamil Nadu government regarding the facilities provided to the fishermen.

“I couldn’t visit the coastal villages as fishermen were on a protest. However, steps will be taken accordingly,” he said.  He added that the district was affected and he had requested the Central government to consider it as a national disaster.

A committee has been formed and discussions are on in this regard.  “A system should be created to monitor the number of fishermen in the district and to trace them. Facilities including fuel, food and shelter have been provided to other fishermen stuck in various states,” he said.

Regarding other issues in the district, he mentioned that the Defence Minister had ordered search operations to find fishermen. “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister should visit the district and also increase the relief funds for the people,” he stated.