Fisherfolk on warpath at Munambam Harbour

KOCHI: The relay hunger fast undertaken by the fisherfolk at Munambam Harbour entered its 28th day on Sunday.  The strike has been undertaken demanding immediate action from the government to clear away the sand bars and sediments that have  been wrecking boats and vessels in the region.   Other demands include extension of the sea groyne at Munambam beach, construction of two smaller sea groynes to the north of Munambam and regular dredging in the area.  “During the last six months alone, five people have died. Entire portions of  vessels get stuck in the sand bars. Even large boats of  about 87-90 feet are not spared,” says V P Girish, president, Fishing Boat Owners Association, Munambam.  Sedimentation of the waterways is a problem in the region. “Through the years we have lost 86 people owing to the  wrecking of sand bars. The sediments are swept in from the  river and ocean.  The problem has declined drastically after  the sea groyne was built in Munumbam.  But, it has surfaced with more fishermen losing their lives in the past 2-3 years,” says Munambam Harbour Tharakan’s Association secretary K B Rajeev.The protestors said the rescue operations were too insufficient. “Last time, when someone got stuck there the   Coast Guard was informed. But, they refused to venture out to the sea citing that they did not get the District Collector’s order. That person died in the water. A life could have been saved if there was rescue operation, says Karshaka Morcha district president E S Purushothaman.“Moreover, most of the  Coast Guard staff have no competence to ride the vessels in the waters here. We have been demanding participation of  local people in the rescue operations.  “Now, we have asked the  fishermen not to come to the coast unless the tide is very high. Some of them wait  in the water for over 12 hours”,  Purushothaman added.