[Reader-list] Fishermen against seaplanes on Ashtamudi lake

[T Peter]

Fishermen against seaplanes on Ashtamudi lake

   - SPECIAL CORRESPONDENt

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/fishermen-against-seaplanes-on-ashtamudi-lake/article7450173.ece

Members of the fishing community have protested against moves by the State
government to start seaplane services from the Ashtamudi lake.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, general secretary of the National
Fishworkers Forum T. Peter wanted the government to reconsider the decision.

He said the project would be strongly opposed by the fishing community
members under the banner of the Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali
Federation. “That is because the seaplane project will impair the
livelihood of the inland fishermen.”

He said already the fish catch from inland water sources was poor. The
seaplane project will deny the fishermen some of their traditional fishing
grounds of the lake. The project is one that will help the tourism lobby
but it will be at the cost of the fishermen, he alleged. Strong agitations
will be organised against it, he warned.

Mr. Peter also said in the list of beneficiaries for fishermen’s housing
project, ineligible persons have also found place. Many eligible persons
from the fishing community have been left out.

He wanted the list to be rectified. Federation leaders A. Andrews, S.
Francis and P.P. John were present.