Berhampur/Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has emerged as a saviour for the 11 fishermen who were stranded in the sea in Ganjam district on Monday.
With the prompt direction of the Chief Minister, the fishermen were successfully airlifted from the sea and were taken to safer place.
The fishermen, who are said to be from Markandi area under the Rangeilunda block, were stranded in Sonepur sea, when they ventured into the waters for fishing activities.
The boat in which they were ferrying had some technical glitches and got stuck in the sea.
On getting information about the condition of the fishermen from the locals, the district administration officials along with coast guards immediately reached the spot.
Since the sea condition was very rough, it was very tough on the part the rescue team to reach the fishermen.
The district administration sought the help of Chief Minister’s Office for the safe evacuation of the fishermen.
On the instruction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the concerned authorities immediately sent a helicopter from Bhubaneswar to rescue the fishermen.
The rescue operation was carried out with the proper coordination of the SRC, Fire Services and Coast Guard and other departments.
The fishermen have expressed their deep gratitude to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, SRC Pradeep Kumar Jena, DG Fire Services Santosh Kumar Upadhyay, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian, E&IT Secretary and OSD to CM Manoj Kumar Mishra, Special Secy to CM R. Vineel Krishna, DIG Coast Guard, Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange, Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M, ADM Priyaranjan Prusty, Berhampur Sub-Collector Keerthi Vasan V, Ranageilunda BDO Prasana Kumar Patro and other officials.
OSD to CM and in-charge of Gopalpur Constituency Dr. Gopabandhu Dash has coordinated the departments.
“We got a new lease of life because of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik”, said Tualsi Rao, a fisherman.
The villagers also thanked the BJD leader Ch. Bharat, Gopalpur Constituency observer, Berhampur Deputy Mayor E. Vivek Reddy, Gopalpur NAC Chairman A. Janaki Ram, Zilla Parishad Vice President Rajeswari Dora and other leaders.
The rescued fishermen were taken to the hospital for health checkup.