Ire over ban on Chinese nets in Kollam-Kottappuram waterway

ALAPPUZHA: Fisherfolks here are up in arms against the ban on the Chinese nets on the Kollam-Kottappuram national waterway. They say 74 families have lost their livelihood since the district administration imposed the ban six months back. They are now planning to meet the chief minister and demand a review. They also plans to petition the Human Rights Commission.

The then collector N. Padmakumar issued notices to Chinese net owners in October after they were compensated. They say children had to compromise on their education and health since. Their leader N.P. Dinesan of Thanneermukkom argues that the action was illegal as they did not come in the way. “The nets were far away from the waterway 50-metre wide,” he said.

The centuries-old tradition is not only about the fishing technique but one of the best tourist attractions. For quite long time, the tradition had been fading due to the unavailability of fish wealth and soaring maintenance expense. The government had sanctioned Rs 15 crore earlier to keep up the legacy of the nets that came here in the 15th century after fishermen in Fort Kochi and Alappuzha started giving them up as its parts need regular replacement and maintenance. A net set costs over Rs 1 lakh.

Activist K.M. Poovu says they pose a threat to the breeding of many fish varieties. “It’s source of income for hundreds of people,” he said. “The selective removal of nets has to be avoided. In Cherthala and Udayam-peroor areas many Chinese nets work near the waterway.” Fisherman Sadanandan, 55, is hopeful that the chief minister would find a solution. “Many set up nets taking bank loans. Now we have no way to repay. Many women who worked indirectly have also lost their job,” he said.