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Mr Digvijay Singh, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and AICC General Secretary in charge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh, consoling tsunami-hit fisherfolk at Visakhapatnam fishing harbour on Monday. - K.R. Deepak

Visakhapatnam , Jan. 17

THE State Government has decided to construct 4,000 houses for the local fishermen who have suffered losses due to the recent tsunami and the cost (Rs 40,000 for each house) is to be shared by the State and the Centre.

This was stated here on Monday by Mr K. Kesava Rao, the president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, who visited the harbour along with Mr Digvijay Singh, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and the AICC general secretary in charge of the party affairs in the State.

Both the leaders assured the local fishermen and their representatives that the damage would be enumerated and all efforts made to render help to the fishermen.

Mr P.C. Appa Rao, the president of the Andhra Pradesh Mechanised Boat Owners' Welfare Association, represented to Mr Digvijay Singh that apart from the tsunami the local fishermen were also facing another threat, as recently several Taiwanese trawlers had arrived in the harbour for tuna fishing.

"Allowing foreign trawlers into our exclusive economic zone is in violation of the Murari committee recommendations and our livelihood will be jeopardised. For tuna fishing, our vessels and gear should be modified and the Government should render the necessary help," he pleaded.

Mr Singh assured him that the Congress party would apprise the Government of the problem and try to find a suitable solution.

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