Thoothukudi fishermen call for declaration of protected fishing zones

Thoothukudi fishermen demand Protected Fishing Zones, oppose Sagarmala project, and seek solutions for pollution and safety concerns.

Fishermen from Thoothukudi have urged the government to declare the fishing grounds where the fishermen engaged in fishing activities as Protected Fishing Zones. The demand was raised at the fishermen grievance redress meeting at the Thoothukudi district collectorate on Friday.

The meeting, which was chaired by the District Collector K. Elambahavath reviewed various petitions from the fishermen includes, issuance of pattas to the residents of tsunami colony in Thoothukudi south, restoration the poorly constructed groyne in Vembar and demand for the installation of high mast electric light at the Threspuram’s Mutharaiyar Nagar beach for safety purposes during the night time fishing activities.

At the meeting fishermen associations raised their strong opposition against the Sagarmala project, demanding its complete withdrawal. Another major concern was the pollution caused by coal ash being discharged into the sea by thermal power plants, which the fishermen insisted must be prevented. They also highlighted the Pazhayakayal estuary which has turned into a sandbank, preventing boats from entering sea and demanded immediate dredging of the area. They also stressed the government not to permit Kerala boats in Thoothukudi waters, especially during the fishing ban period.

Additionally, the conch divers’ association has sought their inclusion in fishermen’s cooperative society. Esakkimuthu of Anna Conch Divers Association said that the inclusion would provide financial support to the families of conch divers in the event of unexpected fatalities.

Mr. Elambahavath said that steps would be taken to issue pattas for the residents of Tsunami Colony and to restore the groyne in Vembar. He noted that investigations will be conducted into discharge of coal ash into sea, and appropriate measures will be taken.

“Dredging of Pazhayakayal has already been initiated and a proposal has been sent to the State government,” the collector added.