Indian Express Reports on RAMNAD Fishers' Opposition to set up JETTY

Ramnad fishermen oppose move to set up jetty


S Raja First Published : 21 Dec 2009 02:39:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 21
Dec 2009 08:16:06 AM IST
RAMNAD: Fishermen in Ramanathapuram are opposing the move by the
government to set up a jetty between Kankollanpattinam and
Thamotharanpattinam, near Vattanam.
Fishermen operating country boats and fibreglass boats in northern
part of the district are planning to launch agitation against the
move. The district administration had decided to set up the jetty to
reduce overcrowding of boats in Rameswaram. However, fishermen here
fear that this would affect the livelihood of 10,000 fishermen in 22
coastal villages, including Nambuthalai, Pasipattinam, Narananenthal,
Thamotharanpattinam, M R Pattinam and Pudukudi.
They fear that huge mechanised boats would collide with their small
size country boats and fibreglass boats in the dark and their nets
will be cut. Therefore, the fishermen of the coastal villages have
decided to agitate against the move and to urge the government to
shelve the project.
Govindan of Kankollanpattinam, president of the Hindu People’s
Organisation, said the fishing industry would be affected if the new
jetty is set up.
Kasilingam, district deputy secretary of the Ramanathapuram District
Fish Workers Trade Union said the proposal would affect the fishermen
in 22 coastal villages. The new jetty would only create trouble and
therefore, the fishermen would protest this move.
Collector T N Hariharan told the Express that no one would be affected
by this scheme. The government had earmarked Rs 15 crore to establish
jetties in the areas.