A delegation of fishermen from Thankasserry area met me with their problems.
A significant point they make is that the Kollam Port is being developed by the Ports Department without taking into account the livelihood concerns of the fishermen and a cement unloading set up is being planned there generating high pollution.
The Thankasserry Fisheries Harbour, a project in which I played a crucial role, had been designed for the welfare of traditional fishermen and only such commercial development should be attempted there which would not adversely affect the fishermen. Some experts also argue that the claims of the Port Department of bigger ships coming there are false as the channel has only a depth of 6.5 metres and only very light ships can enter. This whole range of issues has to be studied and I am taking up the matter and taking a scientific and principled stand.
Mr. MK Salim a noted developmental enthusiast of Kollam suggests that Kollam Port can be a fisheries processing zone for deep sea trawlers in the high seas who can process their catches there and re-export without affecting the domestic fisheries economy but creating sizeable employment for the fisheries community.
I am studying this project in detail and would advance it, if found workable, as a project to be promoted by the Citizens for Kollam Development.
