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Let's keep politics out of rehabilitation work, says Lt. Governor

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, FEB .27. The Pondicherry Lieutenant Governor, M. M. Lakhera, today appealed to those involved in the tsunami rehabilitation work to keep away from politics.

"Let's not play politics with the livelihood of fishermen. There are many other avenues for that. I am disappointed to note that some people are trying to pick holes in the rehabilitation process," he said at a function organised by the Fisher Movements Coordination of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry to honour six members from the fishing community who have saved many lives in the tsunami.

"Let's speak frankly. Even the financial assistance, which was given to the fishermen for buying fishing equipments, has not reached everyone. It is a complete mess," he added.

Hence it was not wise from the part of fishermen to ask for money to build permanent houses, he said.

The Government was determined to go ahead with the plan to construct houses for the fishermen.

"Maybe the government will not be able to complete the process by 2005. But when it is completed it will be a 21st century village with all facilities," he further said.

Seeking complete cooperation from the fishing community for the Government's effort, he asked the fishermen to bury their differences and take a decision, which would be realistic good for them in the long run.

He also offered his willingness to meet the fishermen and address their concerns.

About the suggestion to construct protective walls along the coastline, he said, "I don't favour the idea. The immediate priority should be to construct houses. Instead of putting protective walls, mangroves could be planted and in areas which are more vulnerable walls could be constructed."

He said the Government had started planting trees in the coastline. The mangrove forest would be the property of the fishermen, he added.

The Government had also plans to start training institution for the fishermen in their villages. These institutes would give training in enhancing the skills of the fishermen.

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