New Delhi, Mar 26 (KNN) In recent proceedings at the Madras High Court, the Centre updated on the ongoing efforts to address the longstanding issues surrounding fishing activities between India and Sri Lanka.

Despite delays, steps are being taken to convene the sixth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries at the earliest opportunity, reported Hindu.

The court was apprised that although plans were set for the meeting to take place in November or December of the previous year, internal challenges within Sri Lanka hindered the fruition of this proposal.

However, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying assured the High Court that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively pursuing arrangements for the meeting's prompt scheduling.

These updates came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Fishermen Care, expressing concerns over the repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and the resultant damages to their vessels.

A counter-affidavit, filed on behalf of the Fisheries Ministry, outlined the sequence of ministerial-level discussions dating back to November 2016, aimed at resolving the persisting issues between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen.

The establishment of the JWG and subsequent meetings underscored the commitment to finding sustainable solutions.

Key matters addressed by the JWG include enhancing cooperation in patrolling to prevent incidents at sea, ensuring safe passage for Sri Lankan fishermen through Indian waters, and the establishment of a hotline between the coast guards of both nations.

Additionally, discussions encompassed the investigation into fishermen's deaths, the status of apprehended individuals and seized vessels, as well as environmental concerns arising fr0m fishing practices.

Noteworthy initiatives taken by the Indian government to support fishermen's welfare were highlighted, including financial allocations for the procurement of deep-sea fishing vessels and the construction of essential infrastructure to facilitate deep-sea fishing activities.

The court was informed of the allocation of funds to Tamil Nadu for the acquisition of 750 deep-sea fishing vessels, aimed at replacing traditional trawlers.

Furthermore, measures such as the construction of a fish landing centre at Kunthukal in Rameswaram and efforts by the Indian Coast Guard to prevent inadvertent crossings of maritime boundaries were emphasised.

In light of these developments, the High Court adjourned the PIL petition to June 11 for further deliberation, demonstrating the judiciary's commitment to overseeing progress in resolving the fisheries disputes between India and Sri Lanka.

(KNN Bureau)