MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and IG MV Baadkar, TM meet Fishermen

Mangaluru: Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel, Member of Lok sabha Dakshin Kannada visited Headquarters No.3 Coast Guard District (Karnataka) on Jan 7 for Interaction with Inspector General MV Baadkar, TM, The Commander, Coast Guard Region(West) and Dy Inspector General PK Mishra, TM, the Commander(Karnataka). The flag officer is on operational assessment and readiness inspection of Indian Coast Guard units at New Mangalore. During the interaction, the Regional Commander appraised the MP on Coastal Security in Karnataka state, especially in the Dakshin Kannada area. Thereafter, the MP and Regional Commander jointly addressed the Fishermen Association heads of Dakshin Kannada and insisted that there should be a periodical check of fishing boats to assess whether adequate lifesaving pieces of equipment are present onboard.

On completion, the MP, the Regional Commander and the Commander (Karnataka) interacted with more than 100 fishermen from Udupi and New Mangalore. The MP also noted that fishing activity in Karnataka is contributing significantly to Nation’s economy and ensuring the safety of fishermen at sea needs to be shouldered by all.

The MP urged the fishing association heads for instructing fishermen to carry biometric cards and also appreciated the efforts of the Indian Coast Guard in spreading awareness of life-saving and safety measures through the Community Interaction Programme.

The Regional Commander emphasized this step by the Commander (Karnataka) to inculcate safety as a habit which is imperative for coastal security as they serve as our eyes and ears at sea. He stressed that Indian Coast Guard is taking steps to make a safer for seafarers; everyone should be responsible and abide by regulations. He further added that in 2022, Indian Coast Guard saved 272 lives at sea and apprehended drugs worth Rs 2923 Cr. which shows our commitment to the safety and security of maritime borders.