Kollam: The fishermen here are getting ready for the 47-day trawling ban from June 14 midnight along the 590-km coastline in the state. Kollam, one of the biggest fish landing sites in Kerala, is preparing to implement the ban effectively.
The district administration in coordination with various departments, including marine enforcement, fisheries, civil supplies and various trade unions of fishermen, has verified the steps taken to enforce the ban. RDO V.R. Vinod, fisheries deputy director C.T. Suresh Kumar, and ACP K. Lalji explained the measures at a meeting held in the presence of collector A. Shainamol.
Prior to the ban, mike announcements will be made along the coastal regions, starting from Paavoor to Azheekkal. The trawling boats at Neendakara harbour have been shifted to the east of the Neendakara bridge and the spans will be interconnected using chains for preventing the boats from entering the sea.
All the fuel pumps in the coastal belt meant for refueling the fishing vessels in the district will be closed, except for a pump run by Matsyafed at Sakthikulangara and another at Azheekkal during the trawling ban. These will be kept open for non-trawling fishing vessels during the season.
A special police force will be deployed along Thangasseri, Neendakara and Azheekkal areas to maintain law and order. The Neendakara harbour will be open for small fishing vessels to sell fish. Control rooms will be open at Neendakara and Azheekkal from June 15 for disaster management during the monsoon. Marine police and marine safety squad will be on 24-hour patrolling along Azheekkal,
Neendakara and Thangasseri. The fishermen who lose their job during the trawling ban will be given free ration from June itself.
