Despite a ban on joy rides on the Pulicat lake by the Tiruvallur district administration, a section of fishermen continues to take tourists on their boats without any safety measures.
Boating in the lake was banned after 22 people died while taking a ride in December 2011. Every New Year, the Tiruvallur district administration warns fishermen against taking tourists on boat rides.
However, tourists at Pulicat approach fishermen for boat rides. “We will take tourists up to the estuary. They spend some time on the sands, bathe in the sea, have some snacks and return. The cost per head is around ₹200. When a group takes our boat, it pays around ₹1,500,” said Sikandar, a fisherman.
He said that they get a decent income during the summer holidays and weekends when tourists flock to Pulicat. “Some tourists consume alcohol sitting on the boat and on the sands near the estuary. They just come to enjoy,” he said.
Other fishermen said the rides are risky.
“The boats are built for fishing. They can handle 500 kg but can topple easily. This is the reason why boating was banned after the 2011 incident,” said Durai Mahendran, secretary, Tiruvallur Maavatta Paarambariya Aikiya Meenavar Sangam.
Extra money
He said the fishermen who take tourists on boat rides are not affected by the fishing ban like those who go to the sea. “They are doing this for some extra money,” he added.
The fishing community, therefore, wants the government to develop the place like Muttukadu. “The Tourism or Forest Department can introduce boat rides and employ the fishermen. They can specify conditions such as safety and distance to be travelled etc. This will not only provide an income for fishermen, but also check illegal boat rides,” Mr. Mahendran said.
A senior official from the Forest Department said if the Tourism Department submitted a detailed proposal about the boat rides, it would be discussed by senior officers and a decision would be taken.
“However, we cannot permit house boat type of rides as it would pollute the lake and affect the birds,” said an official.
