The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : `Sethu project will wreck fishing'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 17, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

`Sethu project will wreck fishing'

Special Correspondent

Fishermen to launch agitation during Prime Minister's visit to lay foundation

CHENNAI: : Fishermen in the south will not allow the Sethusamudram project to take off, as it will doom the fishing industry, according to members of the Movement against Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, an umbrella organisation of fishermen associations and non-governmental organisations.

The fishermen are ready to sacrifice their lives for stopping the project. The fish stock in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Straits was dwindling, and the project would wipe it out, the members told presspersons here on Thursday.

The Movement will launch agitations, including rail rako and black flag protest against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other ministers when they come for the foundation laying function.

T. Mohan of the Coastal Action Network said the project, which was "unscientific and economically unviable", was being rushed through in an "undemocratic manner" to gain political advantage. The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests gave environmental clearance based on a environment impact assessment (EIA) made before the tsunami December last. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) made the EIA based on outdated secondary data. Post-tsunami marine life had undergone a sea change. Hence, a fresh assessment should be made.

He said any project of this magnitude should be given clearance by the State body. In this case, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had not given no objection certificate. Besides, at all public hearings held in various districts, scientists, environmentalists and fishermen associations expressed their objections. But these were overlooked.

Describing Union Minister T.R.Baalu's claim that the project would help in the industrialisation of the area and provide employment to thousands of people, Mr.Mohan said that on the other hand, 3.55 lakh fishermen would become jobless once dredging started. Those working in allied industries would also be affected.

Dismissing the allegation that the Movement was "instigated" by vested interests in Sri Lanka, fishermen who were present said the sea was their wealth, and there was no need for anybody to advise them.

The Movement appealed to Dr. Manmohan Singh to refrain from inaugurating the project, against which his office raised many questions. He should call for a national discussion with fishermen, scientists and environmental organisations.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu