This document summarizes the Indian government's response to concerns raised regarding challenges faced by fishermen on Androth Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The issues raised in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1546, to be answered on July 29, 2025, by Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed, centered on the demolition of the marine workshop in 2022, the absence of repair facilities, financial burdens related to repairs, the use of the fish market's first floor, the appointment of an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) for the Fisheries Department, illegal fishing, and dredging needs.
The Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, provided the following responses based on information from the Lakshadweep Administration:
* **Marine Workshop:** The marine workshop was demolished in 2022 to make way for an Indian Oil Corporation depot. A suitable building near the Fish Market has been allocated for a new marine workshop.
* **Fish Market Space:** The Fisheries Unit is currently operating on the first floor of the newly constructed Fish Market building. The space has been modified for office use, and a large hall on the first floor remains available for fishermen. The Fisheries Unit operates in a separate room, ensuring fishermen are not disturbed.
* **Officer-in-Charge:** An officer has been appointed as the Officer-in-Charge to ensure the smooth operation of the Fisheries Unit in Androth.
* **Illegal Fishing:** The Lakshadweep Marine Fishing Regulation (LMFR) is being implemented to regulate and control fishing activities and prevent illegal fishing in Lakshadweep waters.
* **Dredging:** The Lakshadweep Administration has initiated necessary actions to address dredging requirements.
Key Entities Referenced
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING: The central government ministry responsible for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying.
LOK SABHA: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was raised.
Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed: The Member of Parliament who raised the question regarding the challenges faced by fishermen of Androth Island.
Androth Island: An island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India, where fishermen are facing challenges.
Lakshadweep: A Union Territory of India, consisting of a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea.
SHRI GEORGE KURIAN: Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, who provided the answer to the question.
Indian Oil Corporation: A major Indian oil and gas company whose depot construction led to the demolition of the marine workshop at Androth.
Lakshadweep Marine Fishing Regulation (LMFR): A regulation being implemented to regulate and control fishing activities and to prevent illegal fishing in Lakshadweep waters.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1546
TO BE ANSWERED ON 29th JULY, 2025
Challenges Faced by Fishermen of Androth Island
1546. Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed:
Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be
pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the challenges faced by the fishermen of
Androth Island in UT of Lakshadweep due to the demolition of the marine workshop in
2022, lack of repair facilities and financial burdens arising from travelling to other
islands or the mainland for repairs;
(b) whether the Government has taken any steps to restore the marine workshop with
modern repair facilities to support local fishermen;
(c) whether the Government is considering reallocating the first floor of the fish market
for its intended use of storing fishing tools, instead of its current use as a fisheries
office;
(d) whether a substitute Officer-in-Charge (OIC) for the Fisheries Department in
Androth will be appointed to ensure smooth operations and address fishermen's
grievances; and
(e) the measures being taken by the Government to prevent illegal fishing in
Lakshadweep's territorial waters and to conduct necessary dredging to alleviate
congestion in the boat mooring area?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
(SHRI GEORGE KURIAN)
(a) and (b): The Administration of the U.T. Lakshadweep has informed that the marine
workshop at Androth was demolished in 2022 for setting up the Indian Oil Corporation
depot and that a suitable building near the Fish Market has been allotted to establish
Marine Workshop at Androth Island by the U.T. Administration.
(c): The Lakshadweep Administration has informed that the Fisheries Unit at Androth
island is already functioning on the first floor of the newly constructed Fish Market
building, which has been suitably modified to function as an office. For the use of
fishermen, a big hall is available on the first floor of the Fish Market. The Fisheries Unit
is functioning in a separate room without disturbance to the fishermen
(d): The Lakshadweep Administration has informed that an officer has already been
posted as Officer in Charge for ensuring smooth operations of the Fisheries Unit,
Androth.
(e): The Lakshadweep Administration has reported that the Lakshadweep Marine
Fishing Regulation (LMFR) is being implemented to regulate and control fishing
activities and to prevent illegal fishing in Lakshadweep waters. Further it has been
informed that necessary action has already been taken by Lakshadweep
Administration to attend dredging work.
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