Fish farmers complain of being overlooked in tender for fishing rights in Shivamogga district

The fish farmers (pisciculturists) of Shikaripur taluk in Shivamogga district of Karnataka have accused the Department of Minor Irrigation of floating tenders for auctioning fishing rights in minor irrigation tanks without keeping them in the loop, to benefit a select group of people.

A few fish farmers from Shikaripur taluk addressed a press conference in Shivamogga on March 30.

M.C. Malleshappa from Kavuli village said that earlier the Department of Fishers would put up notices in all villages and create awareness among fish farmers through different modes of communication before floating the tender. “However, this year, after the tanks were handed over to the Department of Minor Irrigation, officials conducted the process without involving fish farmers in any way. Earlier, hundreds of farmers would respond to the bid process. This time, only a few people could participate,” he said.

The fish farmers suspect irregularities in the process to favour a select group of people.

“In the past, the fishing rights were allotted in June or July,” said Babu Naik, a resident of Malavalli Tanda. But this time, the process began in March. “We were under the impression that the tender process would begin in June,” he remarked.

When they contacted the officials concerned, they were told that the last day to register for the tender process was March 13, and they had missed the chance.

“A majority of us depend on fishing for our livelihood. We will miss our source of income for the coming years,” said Afzar, a fish farmer.

Response of officials

When The Hindu contacted Vinod D. Naik, Executive Engineer of the Minor Irrigation Department (Shivamogga division), he said that the department had floated tenders for auctioning fishing rights in 52 tanks in the district. “The feedback we received was that many people did not get information about the tender process. Earlier the Fisheries Department used to conduct the process. For the first time, we are conducting the tender process. In view of the complaints, we are holding a meeting on March 31,” he added.