Fisheries Minister A. Srinath handing over fishing equipment to fishing community members in Rameswaram on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: L. BALACHANDAR
Minister for Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare A. Srinath along with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change V.K. Rajeev, conducted a field inspection of ongoing development projects in Rameswaram and Mandapam here on Tuesday.During the visit to Munaikadu beach in the Mandapam Town Panchayat, the Ministers monitored the subsidised seaweed cultivation project and observed the process of fishermen tying seeds onto specialised floating rafts.Mr. Srinath interacted with the local fishing community to assess the impact of subsidised cage fish farming, which primarily focuses on high-value species like Sea Bass and Squid.He reassured residents that tailored government welfare assistance would continue to be deployed based on their evolving needs.Later, the delegation inspected the newly-completed groyne structures at West Wadi fishing village. Built at an estimated cost of ₹25 crores, these wave-breaker structures are designed to prevent coastal erosion and provide safe berthing for fishing vessels. The team also reviewed the final stages of construction for the upcoming fish auction hall.The inspection also witnessed an interaction with the community regarding infrastructure gaps.Mr. Srinath distributed inboard/outboard motors to 28 traditional country-boat fishermen under a subsidy scheme at an estimated cost of ₹72.18 lakhs.In addition, for a fisherman from Rameswaram area who accidentally fell into the sea while going for fishing on February 28, 2026, the minister presented a cheque for ₹2 lakhs to the fisherman’s family. Following this, he received petitions regarding grievances from the fishermen and stated that appropriate action would be taken.Later, he visited the Pamban fishermen’s residential colony, offered condolences to the families of the 12 fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy and are currently in prison.He assured them that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would take the necessary steps to secure their release from the prison. He then visited the Pamban North beach area and inspected and reviewed the ongoing construction work of the groyne.Ramanathapuram Collector M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran and among others were present during the inspection. Published - June 09, 2026 07:34 pm IST
