Fishermen sensitised on coastal security

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, Sep 28: Indian Coast Guard station Gopalpur conducted a special community interaction programme with fishing community members at Pati Sonepur in village in Ganjam district on Saturday.The primary aim of the programme was to enhance awareness of coastal security aspects among fishing community.Around 40 fishermen attended the programme.The various initiative of government on coastal security like registration, biometric card, colour coding and its impact was highlighted.The programme also included demonstration of distress alert transmitter, lifebuoy and first aid at sea.It was emphasized during the programme that the fishermen act as eyes and ears for coastal security apparatus.The fishermen were advised to adhere to weather warning and buddy fishing system.Measures to prevent fire hazards at sea, safe stowage of cooking gas/fuel and life saving gears and carrying of valid documents to sea were also stressed during the sensitisation programme.Local fisheries officers and representatives of United Artists Association, an NGO, also attended the programme.