BJP national executive member and former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan on August 10 alleged that the Kerala government has failed to learn the lessons of the 2017 Ockhi cyclone, claiming that the Rs 18.24 crore marine ambulance project launched to save fishermen in distress has failed to serve its intended purpose. He alleged that one of the three ambulances remains idle due to engine trouble, while there are serious complaints about another, and demanded an impartial expert inquiry into the condition, technical capabilities, maintenance, certifications and expenditure of the project.
The BJP leader said that 153 fishermen lost their lives in the Ockhi calamity. Accordingly, the government declared a special marine ambulance service for the emergency life-saving mission. But, unfortunately, the system remains dead; too unfortunate. Rs 18.24 cr was allocated for the project. It consists of Rs 7.5 cr from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Rs 2 cr from the state plan fund and Rs 8.75 cr from Bharat Petroleum’s CSR fund. Three marine ambulances, built by Cochin Shipyard, were named “Pratheeksha”, “Prathyasha” and “Karunya” and were deployed at Vizhinjam, Vypin and Beypore.
Kummanam said that now the government should answer the question as to what extent these crores-worth boats are useful for the fishermen.
The former Governor said that the marine ambulance at Beypore reportedly remains idle at the harbour due to engine trouble. There are serious complaints about the ambulance at Vizhinjam. The government should clarify to the people about the GPS, radar and communication systems of the Vizhinjam ambulance, which are essential for relief activities in the sea. If the marine ambulance is not fast enough, what use are they, he asked. The basic idea behind the marine ambulance is to reach the fishermen and save them when they face accidents in the sea. But, if the boats were designed without ensuring the speed and technical capability for the emergency relief activity, it is a serious lapse. If the relief boat fails to reach the accident spot on time, what was the logic behind such a huge spending?
Kummanam asked the government to clarify if the ambulances have obtained the necessary technical certifications, including Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), and also safety permits. If anyone is responsible for the lapses in the design of the boats, in the selection of engines, navigation system, safety equipment, certification and also maintenance, they should be found out. It should be immediately examined if taxpayers’ money is spent on the wages of the captains, engineers, paramedical employees and cooks even for the inoperative marine ambulances.
The BJP leader stated that the government has failed not only in running the marine ambulances but also the marine enforcement system of the Fisheries Department. Modern patrol boats should be provided for the State Marine Enforcement Stations. The patrolling system with the old private fishing boats should be stopped.
The former BJP state president alleged that the government does not wake up even after 225 people lost their lives during the last five years and 75 people remain missing. This is a serious situation. Still, emergency relief activities in the sea are not fully implemented. It is an injustice to the people depending on the seas.
Fishermen go to the seas for livelihood. The government should ensure their safe return. The system to save them when they face accidents is not sufficient. If it is so, what is the meaning of the government’s Coastal Security Policy?
Kummanam demanded an inquiry into the role of bureaucrats and technical lapses in bringing about this plight. It should be investigated if files were inordinately delayed, maintenance was delayed or the scheme was killed without taking timely decisions.
He asked the government to put an end to giving more importance to ‘file raj’ than to the lives of the fishermen. Those who tried to demolish the crores-worth project should be found out and taken to task.
Kummanam Rajasekharan asked the government to appoint an impartial expert committee to inquire into the latest conditions of the three marine ambulances. The maintenance of the non-functional boats should be completed within the time frame and they should be fully functional. The efficiency of radar, GPS, communication, navigation, safety equipment, etc., should be examined.
The engine capacity of the boats, their speed, if they are fit for real sea relief activities, etc., should be checked. IRS, other necessary and legal certifications and legal permits should be ascertained. A detailed audit should be carried out with respect to the actual expenditure of Rs 18.24 cr allocated for the project.
The BJP leader said that the officials who are responsible for the lapses should be found out and strict action should be taken against them. He urged for a concrete policy for the sea safety system, which is suitable for the entire coastal belt, to be taken up immediately.
