Vizag Harbour Fire: CM Jagan Orders Probe, Announces Compensation For Fishermen Who Lost Boats

AP CM Jagan Mohan Reddy said it was not right to leave the affected fishermen on their own just because the boats do not have insurance.

On Monday, Seediri Appalaraju, Minister of Fisheries, and other officials visited the disaster scene and assured the victims and their families of government support.

Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday ordered to conduct a detailed inquiry into the fire incident at Visakhapatnam fishing harbour. The CM also promised that the government would compensate fishermen for up to 80% of the damages experienced in the fire that destroyed multiple boats in Visakhapatnam. According to officials, a massive fire that erupted between Sunday night and Monday completely destroyed 36 fishing boats.

On Monday, the Chief Minister asked officials to conduct an extensive probe. Andhra Pradesh CMO said, "Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Reddy ordered the officials to conduct a deep investigation into the incident."

Further, noting that the fishermen had suffered a big loss, Chief Minister Jagan directed officials to dole out the relief. "Show humanity and pay compensation up to 80 per cent of the value so that the victims would be able to withstand the loss and restart fishing activity with confidence. The government should stand by the fishermen in such difficult circumstances," Reddy said in an official release, as per a report on PTI.

The CM said, it was not right to leave the affected fishermen on their own just because the boats do not have insurance. He also told the officials that it was their duty to provide assurance to the fishermen during these difficult times. 

On Monday, Seediri Appalaraju, Minister of Fisheries, and other officials visited the disaster scene and assured the victims and their families of government support.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anand Reddy, told ANI, "The fire broke out on a boat at Visakhapatnam fishing harbour and then spread to nearly 35 fibre-mechanised boats at midnight. Police and fire teams responded immediately. The fire was brought under control. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. A case has been filed and an investigation is underway."