5 Lakh Affected by Fishing Ban in Gujarat 

Ahmedabad : The Gujarat government’s decision to halt fishing activities until August 15 has left approximately 5 lakh people, including fishermen and workers, unemployed for about 15 days. This move has created a significant economic challenge for those dependent on the industry, as other states have already commenced their fishing seasons from August 1.

The halt has raised pressing questions about the management of fishing activities in Gujarat’s territorial waters. Unlike other states, where a 60-day fishing off-season scheme is implemented with government support, Gujarat offers no relief plan for its fishermen during the off-season. Consequently, the fishermen from Gujarat are left without a source of income, while their counterparts from other states continue their activities in Gujarat’s seas.

The financial burden of this decision extends beyond the fishermen. Owners of fish processing companies and ice factories are compelled to cover the expenses of their workers for the 15-day period, leading to significant financial strain. The suddenness of the announcement has exacerbated the situation, with the Fisheries Commissioner’s circular issued on July 31 at noon, followed by a WhatsApp message at 7 pm confirming the fishing prohibition until August 15.

Many fishermen had already made extensive preparations for the fishing season, expecting it to start on August 1. Fishermen from regions including Valsad, Kotda, Una, Diu, Veraval, Porbandar, and Jamnagar arrived at various ports such as Jakhau in Kutch by July 15, anticipating the season’s commencement. The arrival of sailors, tandels, and labourers from other states further complicates the situation, as their train reservations were made well in advance. Now, these individuals find themselves stranded and unemployed in Gujarat.

The opposition Congress  has voiced strong criticism, highlighting the lack of accountability for fishing activities occurring beyond Gujarat’s 12 nautical miles of territorial waters. Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Shaktisinh Gohil argued that the state’s fishermen are unfairly disadvantaged compared to those from other regions, who continue to fish in Gujarat’s waters. The absence of a coherent plan to support the local fishing community during this enforced hiatus has drawn considerable ire and demands for immediate action.