The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMBRT) has launched an intensive campaign to create awareness among the coastal people from Rameswaram to Tuticorin about the legal as well as practical consequences of taking tourists to the 21 islands in the Gulf of Mannar.
S. Balaji, Chief Conservator of Forests and Director, GOMBRT, told The Hindu on Friday that warning boards had been installed at 22 prominent landing centres along the coast. The boards contain information in Tamil and English about the danger to the lives of those who undertake the illegal journey to the islands and legal action against the offenders.
An announcement had been made in all villages along the coast through “dandora” asking the people and fishermen to avoid visiting the islands without permission from the authorities concerned. Under no circumstances, they should carry locals or tourists to the islands.
He said the GOMBRT did not have power to enforce the laws against the offenders. However, it would continue to spread awareness among the people of safeguarding the marine resources. All field members of the trust and members of Eco Development Committees had been sensitised the need for spreading the message .
