Pondy fishermen seek immediate dredging of estuary

It may be noted that the fishermen could not venture into the sea since September 10 as the estuary became shallow due to sand accumulation. Even though they had resorted to a series of agitations, the government failed to take any initiatives to dredge the estuary forcing them to resort to the dharna.

Mechanized Vessels Owners Association President Vadivelu led the agitation.

Meanwhile, the employees of the government aided private schools and municipality and commune panchayat employees on Wednesday resorted to a dharna in front of the out-patient wing of the government general hospital here demanding the immediate implementation of the 7th pay commission recommendations to them.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy told news persons that the government is taking steps to find a permanent solution to the problems faced by the fishermen.

After visiting the Thengaithittu Fishing Harbour along with Welfare Minister M Kandasamy and Fisheries Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, he said the accumulation of sand could be prevented by shrinking the size of the estuary mouth which is a long time process and would take at least two years.

He said the central government has allocated Rs 44 crore under Sagar Mala scheme. However, to commence the work the clearance of several departments including the Environment Ministry need to be obtained. But, in the meantime, the government is also taking steps to resolve the issue temporally on short term basis.