On the occasion of the 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India (GoI), has launched the 'Sagar Parikrama' programme. The Sagar Parikrama programme is being organised along a pre-determined sea route that includes coastal states/UTs.
The programme was attended by JS (Marine Fisheries), DoF GoI, who welcomed all participants and set the agenda for the meeting, while Secretary, DoF GoI, summarised the previous two programmes and highlighted the importance of key activities such as the completion and upgradation of harbours, the promotion of artificial reefs, and so on amongst fishermen communities.
The Marathi version of the "Sagar Parikrama Song" was launched by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister, MoFAH&D. He also thanked everyone who came to the meeting to share their ideas and help make the programme a success.
The state of Maharashtra is organizing the Phase III programme of 'Sagar Parikrama,' and a preliminary plan has been proposed by state officials. Officials deliberated on programme locations and dates based on weather suitability and other influencing factors.
Possible rally locations, site visits, house visits, and so on were discussed. State officials also presented on-the-ground challenges that they may have encountered during the program's preparation for discussion and guidance by the leadership.
Representatives from the fishing communities and the BJP were also invited to present their points for discussion and deliberation. Among the topics discussed were the state's request for a diesel subsidy for deep-sea fish folks in order to make deep-sea fishing more affordable, action regarding fish folks caught by neighbouring countries while deep-sea fishing, completion of Mirkarwada phase II and Anganwadi harbour, ensuring ration and insurance benefits to cover more beneficiaries during the non-fishing period, and so on.
The meeting was intended to kick-start event planning while also understanding on-the-ground challenges and stakeholder expectations. He advised all officials and participants in attendance that beneficiary connection should be at the forefront of all meetings and activities planned during the event.
