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Fishermen Fight Estuary Project Over Livelihood Fears
12 Dec
Summary
- Fishermen oppose Kovalam estuary water storage project due to livelihood threats.
- Project aims to store 1.655 TMC freshwater, blocking tidal flow at estuary.
- Fisherfolk argue project will destroy fish breeding zones and biodiversity.
Traditional fishermen from villages near Kovalam have lodged a strong protest against the proposed Kovalam estuary water-storage project. They have submitted a petition to the Department of Fisheries and Fisherfolk Welfare, urging them not to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the development.
The proposed reservoir aims to store 1.655 TMC of freshwater by creating a barrier across the Kovalam estuary. This barrier is intended to prevent seawater intrusion, but fishermen contend it will disrupt the natural tidal flow. They assert that this disruption will destroy crucial breeding grounds for fish and prawns.
Fisherfolk express grave concerns that altering the estuarine system will lead to a collapse in local fish populations, directly impacting hundreds of households reliant on backwater fishing. They argue the project was initiated without adequate consultation and request officials to formally record their objections with the State government.
