Distressed fishermen protest move to ban thermocol boats

PROTEST is mounting over the move to ban thermocol boats (ponthuvallam) used for fishing in the coastal areas of the state.

- BIJU E PAUL @Alappuzha

Over 5,000 traditional fishermen across the state, especially in coastal areas, depend on thermocol boats. Most of them are being used in the coastal areas of Alappuzha.

Lazar K V, a fisherman from Punnapra, said: "We have been going to the sea in traditional boats for the past many years. This boat is just like a catamaran (Kattamaram), a traditional boat used by fishermen on the Thiruvananthapuram coast. The catamaran boat is used mostly in rough seas. However, Ponthuvallam is used in calm waters. The main reason for fishermen switching over to these traditional boats is the absence of a fishing harbour in Alappuzha. Only one fisherman can go to sea in a traditional boat as its carrying capacity is limited. In addition, three more fishermen have to help him anchor the boat on the shore and collect fish from the net. Around 20,000 people depend on traditional boats for fishing," Lazar said.