Fisherfolk living in the Coringa mangrove ecosystem in the Godavari estuary blend with nature. Their habitations are simple structures that are in tune with the surroundings. Interestingly, they cook food on boats itself while using traditional nets for fishing.
UNDP project
The Coringa is home to many endangered species, including fishing cats. A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded project has helped the fisherfolk improve their lives and standards of living without damaging the ecosystem, explains city-based sculptor G.V. Ramana Murthy.
Ramana Murthy is involved in developing three lifelike murals and a 3D model to explain the nuances of the Coringa ecosystem, and this tableau would be part of the UNDP projects being put on display at the Conference of Parties on Conservation of Biodiversity scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from October 1 to 19.
The UNDP-funded project is on Mainstreaming of Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Conservation in Estuary of Godavari in East Godavari. The project has also trained the fisherfolk to adopt some of the newer and eco-friendly technologies such as using a special oven for drying fish rather than in sun and also some alternative livelihoods.
Ramana Murthy visited the Coringa and studied the life of the fisherfolk to understand and present it in his murals. He is also creating a lifelike 3D model of the ecosystem, including fisherfolk at the market, the flora and fauna, and the fishing boats that would effectively narrate the change in ground realities.
Using fibreglass and plaster of Paris, he and his team of 15 Bengali artists have been working day and night to get the murals and the models ready. The murals are ready and are being given finishing touches, and they hope to ship them to Hyderabad by Friday evening.
In view of the urgency, we have not been able to take a more detailed work, the sculptor explains.
