Conch divers protest fisheries department order to remove motorised pumps from boats

Conch divers from Thoothukudi staged a demonstration demanding the withdrawal of an order issued by the Assistant Director of Fisheries Department mandating the removal of motorised pumps installed in their boats.

More than 300 country boats are used for conch diving, involving around 3,000 fishermen from Threspuram in Thoothukudi. Recently, the Assistant Director of the Fisheries Department had instructed the removal of motorised pumps in these country boats and warned that failure to comply would result in cancellation of the conch diving permits.

In response, the fishermen involved in conch diving have been organising continuous strikes to oppose the order and demand its withdrawal.

M. Isakkimuthu, a member of the Conch Divers Association said, “We have been involved in this business for generations and the government itself had purchased from us for many years.” “While many boats operate without registration certificates, the authorities are putting pressure on us and our business which sustains nearly 5,000 families,” he added. He further claimed that the order was issued last month without any previous notification.

The fishermen emphasised the significant impact of this order on their livelihood and expressed their determination to continue their protest until their demands were met.

Around 500 fishermen representing conch divers and the Conch Traders Association participated in the protest.

Published - November 28, 2024 06:44 pm IST