Even after the annual mandatory ban on trawling was lifted two days ago, several fishermen in the Union Territory have stayed away from the sea, alleging that the territorial administration is yet to address their immediate concerns.
Boats anchoredImmediately after the ban was lifted, fishermen in many parts of Tamil Nadu ventured into the sea but their counterparts in coastal Puducherry did not make a move. They have anchored their boats at the Thengaithittu Harbour.
Fisherman A. Kangayan of Puducherry said: “We are yet to receive diesel subsidy. How can we take out our boats?
As the river mouth is clogged with silt for the last several months, the fishermen have been finding it difficult to use bigger boats from the harbour.”
According to reports, over two thousand boats have not entered the sea for the last two days in the Union Territory.
M. Ilango, chairperson, National Fishworkers’ Forum, said it was only recently that the fishermen received a Ban Relief Assistance for 2013. No such aid has been provided for this year so far. “They have not received any compensation for repairing their boats too. These factors are a cause of worry for the fisherfolks here,” he added.
The ban came into effect after the Centre suggested it — by a mutual consensus among all maritime States — to conserve and replenish fish wealth.
It is being enforced since 2001 in Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory. It prohibits fishing by mechanised boats and trawlers in the territorial waters of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for 45 days every year.
