Kollam: Shipping corridor worries fisherfolk

Kollam: The fisherfolk in the state have raised concerns over the proposed coastal shipping project initiated by the central government.

If the dedicated routes are assigned within 12 nautical miles, the livelihood of the fish workers will be at stake as their gill nets and other fishing gears will be destroyed, said the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) and Kerala Swanthantra Matsya Thozhi-lali Federation (KSMTF).

“The centre has asked the state to begin coastal shipping services once the National Waterway becomes operational. Another proposal which was suggested by Kerala was introducing a water metro project and a coastal shipping circuit which will be dominated by private players. The NFF and KSMTF have apprehensions regarding these projects,” said T. Peter, NFF general secretary.

“We are unaware of the dedicated routes through which these services will actually pass,” he added.

“If the dedicated routes are assigned within the 12 nautical miles, the fish workers will be hit. There is stiff resistance from the fishermen against the shipping corridor,” Mr. Peter added.

“All these initiatives come under the Sagarmala project. The NDA government’s ease of doing business favours the corporates and dismisses the coastal communities,” said KSMTF president Jackson Pollayil.

“We urge the Kerala government to withdraw these plans and hold consultations with the fishermen communities before proceeding further,” he added.