The coracle operators in Hogenakkal observed a fast demanding lifting of the ban on coracle operations. The ban was imposed when a coracle capsized recently claiming six lives. There are 414 coracle operators and 3,000 families dependent on this business. “We are like traditional coastal fisher folks. We do not know any other business and this is what we have been doing since the time of our grandfathers,” says Kempuraj, an office-bearer of Hogenakkal Coracle Operators association. There are 216 coracles and the boatmen here operate coracles on a rotational basis.
“Since it is not possible for all boatmen to operate, we plan in such a manner that no one boatman operates the second day. This way, everybody gets 15 earning days a month. The education of our wards and everyday sustenance is dependent on this,” he says.On a normal day, a boatman makes Rs.200 to Rs.500 and on weekends between Rs.500 to Rs.1, 000.
According to the coracle operators, tourism in Hogenakkal depends largely on coracle operations and there are ancillary petty occupations that depended on livelihood sustenance from coracle operations.
However, the ban has put the entire local service industry in a state of limbo.
The past one month proved to be a sort of test of truth both for the administration and coracle operators, as every safety protocol came under intense scrutiny.
After the mishap, all 416 coracle operators were put to a 10-day intensified training in Hogenakkal for test of swimming, rescue and first aid skills. In addition, all 216 coracles were subject to safety standards and of these, 40 coracles were declared unfit for operation. The inspecting team had also certified the coracles with the fitness/expiry dates up to which they could be operated.
“We are careful about not operating coracles when the water level crosses 10,000 cusecs. Our livelihood depends on the safety of the tourists. That was a terrible tragedy and it was the first in a long time. But, now, coracle operators have accepted every safety standard that has been put forth, yet permission has been withheld,’ says Mr. Kempuraj.
While a coracle can sustain weight up to 1 tonne, earlier, a coracle was allowed to carry 6-plus-1 persons. But, now after the tragedy, the number has been reduced to 4-plus-1 persons. “When we petitioned the Collector, we were told to ensure that each coracle is also equipped with floats. We have agreed to all terms and conditions.”
Collector K. Vivekanandan was not reachable for comment.
