Kerala Human Rights Commission Takes Decisive Action Following Muthalapozhi Fishing Tragedy
In a significant intervention aimed at safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Kerala's fishing community, the State Human Rights Commission has issued comprehensive directives to multiple government departments. The action comes in response to the tragic boat capsizing incident at the Muthalapozhi estuary that claimed 39 lives earlier this year.
Urgent Call for Fishermen Welfare Fund Enrollment
Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has specifically instructed the Fisheries Director to launch an extensive awareness campaign across coastal communities. This initiative focuses on ensuring all fishermen obtain membership in the Fishermen's Welfare Fund Board, a crucial step that determines eligibility for financial assistance during tragedies.
The urgency stems from a heartbreaking revelation: among the 39 fishermen who perished in the Muthalapozhi accident, 14 were not registered members of the welfare board. According to official reports submitted to the commission, only registered members qualify for the posthumous financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh, potentially leaving multiple grieving families without crucial support.
Streamlining Compensation for Affected Families
Justice Thomas has mandated a compassionate approach toward the families of non-member victims. The commission has directed that if heirship certificates are available, tahsildars should promptly process benefits for dependents of those who couldn't submit documents or apply within stipulated timelines. The fisheries department has been instructed to circulate these orders to all tahsildars across affected coastal regions.
Addressing Infrastructure and Safety Concerns at Muthalapozhi
Looking beyond immediate relief, the commission has pushed for permanent solutions to the recurring safety issues at Muthalapozhi fishing harbor. Key directives include:
- Expediting the southern breakwater extension with the Harbor Engineering Department directed to complete construction promptly, utilizing the Rs 177 crore administrative and technical approvals already received under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme.
- Expanding operations of the 24-hour sea rescue squad stationed at Muthalapozhi to enhance emergency response capabilities.
- Approving financial assistance for affected fishermen with the fisheries department urged to promptly process the Rs 7.9 crore proposal submitted to provide relief to 2,433 fishermen unable to venture to sea due to sand accumulation issues at the estuary.
Catalyst for Action: Public Interest Complaint
These comprehensive measures were initiated following a formal complaint filed by social worker Kowdiar Harikumar, who demanded permanent solutions to prevent recurring fishermen fatalities at the accident-prone Muthalapozhi estuary. The commission's intervention represents a structured approach combining immediate welfare measures with long-term infrastructural improvements, aiming to create a safer, more secure environment for Kerala's fishing communities who face daily risks in their livelihood activities.
