Kochi: Despite apprehensions and protest of Chinese fishing net owners in Fort Kochi, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited is going ahead with the plan to construct boat terminal for Water Metro project in the site adjacent to the nets. The spot identified by the KMRL is flanked by Chinese nets on both sides.
During the geotechnical survey conducted for the terminal project, the contractor's boat came for the works hit the fishing nets and two of them were damaged.
"The workers of the net lost five days of labour as the net was completely torn and damaged. The huge structure of the net could be saved from damage because of timely intervention of the labourers. More than 14 workers are working for each net," said Sebastian Kurisingal, owner of Karippura Vala, (a Chinese net).
"Though the fishing net owners asked several times to shift the proposed site for boat terminal, the authorities turned down the request. We are really apprehensive whether the boat terminal project will affect the livelihood of fishing workers," he added.
Meanwhile, sources at KMRL said that the fishing net owners association demanded compensation for repairing the net and the Metro agency has settled the amount.
Fort Kochi already has two boat Jetties side by side, a Ro-Ro ferry jetty and a bus terminal all in a circle of 50 metres. If Water metro terminal is constructed near them, for which land is available, inter modal transit will be easier.
There were 16 nets and only 9 remain now. These living monuments of five centuries have to be conserved," said the local residents.
Earlier, a complaint was submitted to Fort Kochi police against the KMRL and its contractors against the works being carried out for Water Metro terminal.
