TUTICORIN, March 7, 2015
Updated: March 7, 2015 05:46 IST
Fishermen who participated in the grievance day meet in Tuticorin on Friday.— Photo: N. Rajesh
Plea for action against erring autorickshaw drivers
The need for setting up a health care centre at Threspuram was stressed at a meeting convened by Department of Fisheries here on Friday to hear fishermen’s grievances. Kannimuthu, a fisherman of Threpsuram, sought the intervention of Collector M. Ravikumar in this regard.
Stating that the construction of groynes was yet to be completed at Threspuram, he sought early completion.
Moreover, officials should ensure that all fishing boats anchored at Threspuram were registered as per rules. He also demanded installation of cameras at a diesel pump, operating under the control of Fisheries Department, to monitor supply of subsidised diesel to fishing boats. The possession of identity cards by fishermen at sea should be made mandatory, he said.
When Esakiappan of Threspuram said that fishermen were finding it difficult to get Aadhaar cards, the Collector said Aadhaar card printing machines were available at the Sub- Collector’s office and fishermen could approach the office to get their cards.
R. Lilly Raj, member of Fishermen Cooperative Society, Srivaikuntam, said waylaying was rampant at Aharam under Eral police limits. Recently, a couple came under attack by an unidentified gang near the big bridge at Aharam and the gang fled the scene after a bus moved close to the incident site.
Citing this incident, he sought intensive police patrol in the area to prevent such incidents.
The Collector took note of the grievance and assured him of necessary action.
Santhiya Pacheik appealed to the district administration to take strong action against autorickshaw drivers, who did not digital meters, and continued to fleece the passengers.
While the bus fare was Rs.90 from Madurai to Tuticorin, the same fare was being collected by auto drivers from Tuticorin new bus stand to Threspuram. The Collector said pre-paid auto fare centres would soon be established at bus stands here. Already, 25 autos found violating the new fare structure had been impounded by the transport authorities, he said.
Kovilpatti Sub Collector Kannabiran, Joint Director of Fisheries R. Amal Xavier, Assistant Director of Fisheries P. Isaac Jeyakumar and Inspector of Fisheries T. Vijaya Raghavan attended