To avoid eviction, fishers impose self-regulations

The stalls would be standardised with a dimension of 5ftX5ft as opposed to the earlier practice of putting up makeshift shops with no specific shape or size. “As an internal arrangement, we have decided to collect a maintenance fee of Rs 50 every week. We have promised the proper upkeep of the surrounding and ensure smooth flow of traffic along the stretch. They wanted to get rid of us as we remain as an eyesore. But we can keep this place neat and tidy. We have taken various measures to protect our livelihood,” said Kavita, a fisherwoman.

They have also decided to keep a maximum of four storage boxes in a stall – earlier there were at least ten boxes, said K Bharathi, working president of South Indian Fisheries Welfare Association. “We have requested the authorities to build us a common storage place in a close vicinity. From there, we can replenish our stockduring the day.”

The association has requested the Fisheries department to provide them new freezer boxes. The boxes they have now were given in 2009 as part of State government’s tsunami rehabilitation plan. “We are planning to discard thermocol freezer boxes which causes environmental hazards,” he added.

Besides, granite slabs have been ordered to give a cleaner look to these stalls – numbering about 350, operated by nearly1,000 fisherwomen.

The community has incurred an approximate loss of Rs 5 lakh due to the three-day protest last week. The protest had turned ugly when the Corporation and traffic police tried to evict fisherfolks under the Marina beautification project.

From Monday, about 100 fisherwomen resumed business as usual, though many are yet to return. Currently, sanitary workers are cleaning the place, which is expected to be completedbefore this week.

A Corporation official said, “We have to consult various departments before taking any action regarding this.”