The Hindu : Front Page : Centre sanctions Rs.1. 50 crore to construct lighthouse at Poompuhar

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Wednesday, Oct 03, 2007
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Centre sanctions Rs.1. 50 crore to construct lighthouse at Poompuhar

K. Subramanian

Soil in coast to be tested soon for construction of the structure at the right spot

It will benefit nearly 10,000 fishermen
Some want estuary to be strengthened

NAGAPATTINAM: A new lighthouse will be built in the historic town of Poompuhar in Nagapattinam district.

The port had served as a major trade centre during the Chola period.

The Union Ministry of Shipping had sanctioned Rs. 1.50 crore for constructing a 100-ft tall lighthouse.

The soil in Poompuhar coast would be tested soon for construction of the structure at the right spot, the District Collector, Tenkasi S. Jawahar, said.

The lighthouse would be constructed under the direct supervision of the authorities of the Chennai Lighthouse. The new lighthouse will benefit nearly 10,000 fishermen belonging to 10 coastal hamlets in and around Poompuhar.

There are three lighthouses functioning in this region to guide fishermen, two in Nagapattinam district at Nagapattinam, and Point Calimere, and another one at Karaikal in the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Meanwhile, the Meenavar Peravai has sought creation of new fishing harbours by strengthening the estuary at Pazhayar, Tirumullaivasal, Poompuhar and Tarangampadi instead of building a new lighthouse.

According to the Vice-President of the Peravai R. M. P. Rajendira Nattar, the new lighthouse would only be an additional utility for the fishermen to identify the location. It would serve no purpose as fishermen venturing into the sea in mechanized boats had all the latest gadgets including eco-sounder to know the behaviour of the sea, fish pointer to trace the huge population of fish at the exact location in the sea and equipment to ascertain the depth of the sea.

Similarly, all vessels passing in the sea off Nagapattinam coast were well equipped to identify the ports and even coastal hamlets, he said.

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