1200 litres of Diesel

Recently, I have been to Nizampatnam to collect my Grade Sheet from Venky (My friend and classmate). He collected my grade sheet and applied for provisional certificate on my behalf at the college. Thanks to him, otherwise I had to undergo a lot of journey which costs me in terms of money, time and effort.

At his home, he offered me and my family ...a great lunch. Full of Sea food...Fish, Prawns, Crabs,...etc. As his father owns a fishing boat, they eat this kind of costly diet daily. Anywayz, it was a great lunch except that I don't eat crabs.

After awhile, we went to harbor. Many fishing boats were there when we arrived. Venky said that Each boat costs nearly 15-25 lakhs depending upon its condition, design and date of manufacture. He also gave an astonishing fact about their fishing business.

He said that the fishing boat leaves the harbor for 4 days. In these 4 days, they stay in the sea and do all the fishing stuff. After then, they return back. He said that it takes nearly 1200 litres of Diesel for the whole journey. Can you believe it??? I was quite amazed. There were like 20 boats at the harbor when I went there and many of them were already at the sea. That's like gallons of diesel.

 I asked venky about how much it costs for them for one trip. He said that if per liter diesel is Rs.40, it is nearly 50,000 - 60,000 including repairs, which are quite common and regular. He said that it was quite profitable once, but now as the diesel prices are high, it's kinda of unpredictable. In past, the diesel rate was Rs.18/Liter. So, the cost per trip is quite less and in every trip, they used to get profits. Now, if they caught quite good amount of fish, then they may get some profits. But sometimes, they come empty-handed, then it's a hell of a loss. Still they continue to do it, as they inherited it from their past generations.

Fishing is not allowed during the summer so that fishes reproduce during this time and maintain the number during the rest of the year. So, all the boats stay at the coast. People remain unemployed. They take loans at high interest rates to feed themselves and then they work the rest of the year to repay their debts with interests. At the end of the year, they may still end up in debts.

Government should look into this issue seriously. But contrarily, Our Govt. is thinking about lifting up the subsidy on petrol and diesel. Then the lives of these people becomes miserable. It will increase their investment cost and also decreases their chance of making profits. So, Government should keep these people in mind while increasing the fuel prices especially Diesel or at-least give them some relaxation. It is better if they come up with some alternative source of energy so that

• Their investment cost will be decreased and profit-making becomes better.
• Environment will be protected from the pollution due to combustion of diesel.
• Gallons of diesel can be saved for over future generations.

I guess ... I have explained myself ... If U have anything to say, Write ur Valuable comment...