HISTORIC RECORD FOR CPF AS IT MADE THE TUTY COLLECTORATE TO CONVENE THE FIRST FISHERS GRIEVANCE DAY ON 07.01.2011

Date:09/01/2011 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2011/01/09/stories/2011010952170600.htm Back Tamil Nadu Fishermen happy about nod for construction of tsunami houses Staff Reporter Tuticorin: Fishermen were elated following the district administration's declaration of construction of tsunami houses for the costal villagers of Singhithurai here. Presiding over a grievances redressal meeting convened for fishermen, D. Ravichandran, District Revenue Officer, said all houses would be established as per the directions of Government. Recently, the residents of Kayalpatnam protested against the construction of such houses meant for tsunami victims. The protestors opposed the move saying that the move might pave way for accommodating aliens. S.J. Gayes, president, Tuticorin Country Boat Fishermen Association, said that the fishermen of Kombuthurai and Singhithurai had been engaged in fishing for several years. They also possess family cards and voter identity cards. Why should the Kayalpatnam residents oppose the construction of houses, he asked. Mr. Gayes also expressed apprehensions over conflicts arising between fishermen of country boats and mechanised boats on damages caused nets of country boat fishermen. A.A. Jayapaul, a fisherman and president of Tharuvaikulam Panchayat, said a fish oil making private unit functioning at Tharuvaikulam was causing environmental pollution to the residents and sought action. Mr. Ravichandran replied that a report had already been sent to Pollution Control Board in this regard. The long pending demand for establishing groynes at Tharuvaikulam should be fulfilled, immediately. C. Parthiban, president, Tuticorin Fishermen Labour's Association, demanded enforcement of fishing ban between November and December (northeast monsoon) instead of April 15-May 29 every year. A research team of Central Government was undertaking a study to make changes, if necessary, Antony Xavier, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, said. As many as 42, 086 fishermen in Tuticorin district had been enrolled under Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board. Based on 5,666 applications by the enrolled fishermen for assistance under various schemes, funds to the tune of Rs.28,80,500 had been given to 473 applicants so far, Mr. Xavier replied to a query by Stephen Victoria, a social activist. The fishermen of Threspuram raised objections to letting wastes into the Buckle Canal and said the inflow of polluted waters into the seabed of Threspuram was causing health hazards. © Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu