Traditional fishing boats might have to switch to engines which run on petrol or diesel, now that the Centre has refused to allocate more kerosene for the State, Minister for Sports, Wakf and Haj Pilgrimage V. Abdurahiman has said.
Replying to a calling attention motion by P.P.. Chitharanjan on the hardships faced by traditional fishers because of the shortage of kerosene and the need to rehabilitate families living along the coast, Mr. Abdurahiman said that a meeting of fishermen and trade unions would be called soon to discuss the issue of switching from kerosene to petrol or diesel as fuel for fishing boats.
The Centre had been apprised of the difficulties faced by the fishermen because of the non-availability of kerosene. The State was facing severe sea erosion at 50 locations.
