Gujarat announces Rs 105 crore relief for fishermen affected by Tauktae

AHMEDABAD: The Government of Gujarat has announced a relief package of Rs 105 crore for fishermen of the state who were affected by Cyclone Tauktae, according to officials. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani decided about the relief package after reviewing the conditions during a meeting on Tuesday, June 1, officials added.

Cyclone Tauktae hit the coastal areas of Gujarat on the night of May 17, with accelerated wind speeds of almost 220 kilometre per hours. The official release said that the cyclone caused major damage to the anchored boats, fishing nets, trawlers and other marine infrastructure at Jafrabad, Rajula, Saiyad Rajpara, Shiyal Bet and Nava Bandar ports of the state. The state government is to pay a collective amount of Rs 25 crore to the affected fishermen and their families to compensate the damage caused to over 1000 small and large sized boats.

In case of a fully damaged small boat, the state government will compensate 50 per cent of the boat value, or Rs 75,000, whichever is less. On the other hand, in case of partially damaged boats, 50 per cent compensation or Rs 35,000 is provided, whichever is less, officials said. The state government has also directed to provide Rs 2000 through Direct Benefit Transfer to all those who’s boats were partially or completely damaged in the cyclone.

The official release said that the state government will provide 10 per cent of the interest paid on repair loan of a fully damaged boat up to Rs 10 lakh, for a period of two years. The state government is also planning to revive the marine infrastructure which was damaged due to the cyclone. In total, the Gujarat government will spend Rs 80 lakh for the restoration and strengthening of marine infrastructure.