Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin   

Plea against harbour

—Photo: N. Rajesh

TROUBLED: Fishermen of Periyathazhai waiting to submit a petition to Tuticorin Collector G.Prakash on Monday.

TUTICORIN: Members of Periyathaazhai Village Committee submitted a petition to Collector G. Prakash on Monday appealing to abandon the plan to set up a harbour at Manappaadu. The petitioners said about 8,000 fishermen of Periyathaazhai were already facing several natural hurdles after tsunami and could fish only for 150 days in a year. Against this backdrop, the Government had reportedly given permission for establishing a harbour at neighbouring Manappaadu village which would sound the death knell for fishing operations in the region.

“Trawlers and bigger vessels will start visiting the port and damage the nets. The bigger vessels will also pose a serious threat to the lives of fishermen in country boats during the night. Even after the fishermen registered their opposition at a meeting held at Tiruchendur, the government is keen on establishing the harbour. Considering the well-being of the fishermen of Manappaadu, Periyathaazhai and coastal hamlets in this region, the plan should be dropped,” they appealed.

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Plea against harbour

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