Fishermen’s net storage facility collapses due to sea erosion

Local fishermen in Manakudy face severe coastal erosion, leading to collapse of net storage buildings, urging government intervention.

The building used by the local fishermen in Manakudy to weave and store their nets has collapsed due to continuous sea erosion. It must be noted that two other structures used for similar purpose in the area have already been severely affected by the impact of coastal erosion.

Over the years, the government has constructed around five concrete buildings for the fishermen to store their nets. However, recent erosion in the area stretching up to 800 metres has led to the collapse of these structures. “Two other structures in the area have already been completely damaged and currently two alternative thatched huts are being used for the same purpose,” said Subitha from the village. She added that these buildings were also used for the fishermen as a resting place after long hours at sea.

“The rough sea has now even started to affect the newly-laid roads, highlighting the urgent need for measures to prevent further damage due to erosion,” she said.

Remguies, a fisherman from the village, said, “Before the building completely collapsed, we had submitted many petitions at the fishermen grievance redress meetings. But no action was taken, until it was too late.”

He added that three structures have already collapsed due to erosion and one more is barely standing because of the efforts of local fishermen who placed around five truck loads of black stones to protect it.

Mr. Remguies emphasised that the fishermen have spent around ₹1 lakh to safeguard the storage facility.

He urged the government to immediately construct structures to curb further sea erosion and to build new buildings for fishing net storage, stressing that the village is home to nearly 12,000 fishermen.