The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Fishermen feel dejected

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 03, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Fishermen feel dejected

By Our Staff Reporter

NELLORE, JAN. 2. A week after the dreaded tsunami, which hit the coastal areas of Nellore district, the situation is slowly limping back to normalcy, though it will take several more weeks for the affected people to attain full economic sustenance.

The toll in the district stood at 20, whereas all persons reported missing have returned safely to their respective villages. Apart from causing a colossal loss to boats, nets and other infrastructure facilities, the tsunami razed hundreds of houses to the ground. The aqua industry was the worst hit and the existence of people belonging to a number of villages was threatened. More than 20,000 were shifted to safer places. Despite initial hiccups, relief efforts picked up with officials taking it as a challenge. A series of visits by VIPs and endless assurances has not made any difference to the fishermen community, who have seen a number of such havocs earlier.

Boat, net repairs

Accordingly, they are getting reconciled to the prevailing situation and attending to repairs of their nets and boats without waiting for assistance from the Government. Also, one is not sure whether the help will really reach the deserved.

The efforts of fishermen to venture into the sea, however, have not succeeded because of the strenuous efforts by officials advising them not to endanger themselves.

No NGOs

Some villagers pointed out that having been accustomed to the sea and its vicissitudes they know better how to cope up with the tragedy. However, their main demand for immediate help seems to have been ignored by the administration, which appears to be more interested in `long term economic measures.'

Another interesting point is the absence of the voluntary organisations, which generally reach these places in such situations. The RSS alone is visible carrying out relief work from the day the tragedy struck.

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