Mungantiwar seeks financial aid, rent waiver for drought-hit Chandrapur fishermen

The impact of drought-like conditions in Chandrapur district has not been limited to farming. Thousands of families dependent on fish farming are also bearing the brunt. MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, demanding financial assistance for fishermen affected by the drought.

The letter says Chandrapur district received less rain this year, and water stocks in many ponds have fallen. According to the letter, fish farming has been affected. Mungantiwar says that with water levels sharply down, fish rearing and production have come to a halt. Fishermen's cooperative societies and their registered members are in serious financial distress.

The letter also says local fishermen's cooperative societies had taken these ponds on rent. They had invested large sums in stocking the ponds with fish seed and in rearing the fish. But the ponds dried up in the middle of the season. The societies can no longer recover even what they spent on fish seed, feed and pond rent. With incomes down, the fishermen face the question of how to make a living for the whole year.

Mungantiwar has asked the government to waive this year's rent on the affected ponds in full. He has also asked for a special financial grant to be sanctioned. He says the money fishermen have invested should not go to waste.

In the letter, Mungantiwar also drew the government's attention to the fact that it has granted farmer status to those engaged in fisheries. He therefore says fishermen who suffer losses in a natural calamity are fully entitled to financial help and necessary concessions, as farmers are.

He has written plainly that the water resources and revenue departments should immediately conduct an objective survey of the affected ponds and assess the losses. Considering the expenditure on fish seed and fish farming and the drop in income, an ex gratia grant should be given directly to the affected societies and members. He also demands that this year's pond rent be waived in full and that the decision be acted on quickly given the drought.

Mungantiwar said the year-long labour and capital of fishermen are at risk because of the natural crisis. They should not be left with only assurances, he said, and need the firm support of direct financial aid. He made clear that he stands firmly behind taking the issue to a conclusion with the government, so that the financial condition of fisheries workers remains stable like that of farmers and the business can get back on its feet.