Entry passes planned to cut crowd in Kasimedu harbour

Chennai

“Wholesale and retail traders, fishing labourers and boat owners who wish to enter Kasimedu fishing harbour will be allowed to enter if they possess the ID card. The ID cards can be obtained from the administrative office of the Chennai Fishing Harbour before June 9,” said an official from Fisheries Department.

Even after the state government lifted the annual ban on fishing, mechanised boats from Chennai and Ramanathapuram did not venture into sea citing various reasons, including regulation of fishing harbours and markets.

“We do not want fishing harbours and fish markets to turn into COVID-19 hotspots and so we had urged the state government to regulate fishing harbours and markets. The direction given by the Fisheries Department to issue passes is a welcome move as it will limit the number of persons visiting the Kasimedu fishing harbour,” K Bharathi, president, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, told DT Next.

Bharathi also said that except for mechanised boat fishermen in Thoothukudi, none other fishermen in the state had ventured into the sea. Fishermen also urged the state government to take steps to promote export of fishes, but so far no steps were taken in the direction.

“Without taking steps for promotion of exports there is no use for fishermen venturing into the sea as large quantities of fish is exported from the state,” added Bharathi.