A project aimed at helping preserve the dwindling number of Chinese fishing nets along the Fort Kochi beach would be ready in a month.
Measures would also be taken to remove encroachers and fish vendors from the beach and its precincts, since they block the view of the beach and the Chinese nets, while also littering the premises. Steps would also be taken to ensure the cleanliness of the locale. This was decided at a review meeting chaired by Union Minister K. V. Thomas held here on Friday.
A project would be worked out to help the fishermen manning the Chinese nets. The falling catch and the skyrocketing price of teak wood used to support the nets resulted in many fishermen winding up the nets and selling off the logs. The number of nets fell from over two dozen along the beachfront to less than a dozen now. Many existing nets have lost their aesthetic and traditional charm since their owners began to use iron pipes instead of the costly teak logs.
Lack of cleanliness
The functioning of the Fort Kochi Heritage Society came under much criticism at the review meeting for its inability to check encroachments all over the heritage zone. The agency was also unable to ensure the cleanliness of the locale, especially the beach and heritage streets.
Reviving tourism
Mayor Tony Chammany promised to take steps to remove encroachers. Speaking to The Hindu , the secretary of the Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) T. N. Jayasankar said that the council had planned a couple of activities to revive the interest of tourists in the locale. “We would chalk out projects in consultation with tourism stakeholders, especially locals who are unhappy about rampant encroachments, crass commercialisation and lack of cleanliness of the heritage zone. Taxi drivers, fishermen etc., too would be taken into confidence.”
The DTPC is preparing a calendar of events, including live open air dance and art performances at Fort Kochi. The folklore theatre here is underutilised.
Deep-sea fishing
The council has envisaged a deep-sea-fishing tour in trawlers. This would enable tourists to travel in fishing trawlers and even take part in fishing from the deep sea. The agency has also mooted a guided walking tour from Fort Kochi to Vypeen along the coast.
The roads and footpaths in the heritage zone too have to be repaired, for which the corporation has to take the initiative, sources said.
