Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed on Sunday that the Central government is actively working to restore satellite phone connectivity for several fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district who are currently stranded at sea amid turbulent weather conditions.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is undertaking the efforts in coordination with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to re-establish communication and assist in the safe return of the affected fishermen.
In a post on the social media platform X, the Finance Minister shared that she had spoken to Father Thomas of St. Mary’s Church in Vallavilai village, Kanyakumari, who informed her about the loss of satellite phone connectivity with several fishermen currently in deep waters. "My office spoke with Father Thomas of St. Mary’s Church, Vallavilai village, Kanyakumari (TN). He highlighted the loss of Inmarsat satellite phone connectivity with several fishermen currently in the deep sea," the Union Minister wrote.
Sitharaman noted that the sensitive issue of the fishermen from Vallavilai village was initially flagged by the Fishermen Cell of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Tmt. Seema (TN BJP’s Fishermen Cell) flagged the sensitive issue of fishermen from Vallavilai (vllllvillai) Kanyakumari district who are stranded in the sea and sought assistance," she wrote.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for potential turbulent weather and rough sea conditions, a request has been sent to the Inmarsat company to restore the satellite phone connectivity urgently. "There is an IMD alert for potential turbulent weather and sea conditions in the area. A request has been received for restoring satellite phone connectivity," she added.
Although the stranded fishermen are not using BSNL's satellite services, Sitharaman expressed gratitude that the DoT and BSNL are actively assisting in facilitating the restoration of connectivity. "Although the fishermen do not have BSNL satellite phone services, they are grateful that DOT (Department of Telecommunications) and BSNL are actively assisting in facilitating restoration of connectivity for the time being by reaching out to the private operator," she added.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, which is expected to move west-northwestward and intensify into a deep depression, prompting widespread precautionary measures. The Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Cuddalore District, confirmed that in view of this, all types of mechanised country boats, catamarans, and motorised fishing vessels from Cuddalore district have been advised not to venture into the sea until further notice.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) added that moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning is likely in isolated places over Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Thoothukkudi, Kanyakumari, and Tenkasi districts of Tamil Nadu. Earlier, heavy rain with thunder and lightning had triggered waterlogging in parts of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, prompting the District Administration to declare a holiday for schools in the district.
Also read: PPP projects on the rise: Sitharaman
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