Maharashtra Mandates QR Coded Aadhaar for Sailors
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Synopsis
On January 31, the Maharashtra Fisheries Department mandated that all fishermen must carry a QR coded Aadhaar card while fishing at state ports. This new regulation aims to bolster maritime security and ensure compliance with existing laws.
Key Takeaways
- All fishermen in Maharashtra must now carry QR coded Aadhaar cards.
- Registration numbers of fishing vessels must be permanently displayed.
- Failure to comply may result in fishing license cancellation.
- Drone surveillance has been initiated to monitor illegal fishing.
- Key regions affected include Mumbai, Palghar, and Thane.
Mumbai, Jan 31 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance maritime security within Maharashtra, the state's Fisheries Department has issued an order on Friday requiring every sailor engaging in fishing activities at all state ports to possess a QR coded Aadhaar card.
The directive from Fisheries Department Commissioner Kishor Tawde followed a visit by Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane to Sassoon Dock in south Mumbai, where he observed that many sailors lacked Aadhaar cards.
During that visit, Rane instructed the issuance of a directive mandating Aadhaar cards for fishermen. Consequently, the Fisheries Development Commissioner formalized this directive on Friday.
"Each sailor participating in fishing within this maritime domain is required to carry a QR coded Aadhaar card. Furthermore, in accordance with Section 435(H) of the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and Section 6(4) of the Maharashtra Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981 (Amended 2021), it is essential to permanently paint the registration number of the fishing vessel on the vessel itself.
"The registration number must be prominently displayed on both sides of the rear upper section of the vessel, and must also be painted on the cabin roof. Only upon complying with these requirements will the fishing licenses be renewed and fishing tokens issued," states the directive.
"Appropriate measures will also be taken against vessel owners who fail to comply, including the cancellation of fishing licenses due to violation of the fishing license terms under the Maharashtra Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1981 (Amended 2021)," the directive adds.
This initiative by the Fisheries Department follows the recent launch of drone surveillance along the state coastline to monitor illegal fishing activities in Maharashtra.
A drone monitoring system and digital data management framework have been established at the Mumbai office of the Fisheries Department to track information relayed by these devices.
The minister indicated that the drone monitoring initiative is operational in Palghar, Thane, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai City, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Mirkarwada, and Sindhudurg - Devgad.
