Collector responds to fishermen’s plea, asks officials to take up repairs at Karaikal fish landing centre

District Collector D. Manikandan inspecting the fish landing centre in Karaikal on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

District Collector D. Manikandan has ordered repairs at the Karaikal fish landing centre after rough sea tides caused damages two weeks ago, making it difficult for fishermen to dock boats and unload their catch.

Following concerns raised by fishermen, Mr. Manikandan inspected the site on Tuesday and instructed the officials to place used tyres as protection at the landing area to prevent further damage. He interacted with fishermen to understand their challenges and assured them of prompt restoration work.

Mr. Manikandan urged them to follow maritime safety regulations, avoid crossing international borders, and refrain from catching banned fish species. Additionally, he highlighted government subsidies for deep-sea fishing and encouraged fishermen to utilise these schemes to enhance their livelihoods.

Later, he visited a fishing net-weaving facility at Karaikal Medu where fishermen sought improvements in electricity supply, building maintenance, and measures to prevent erosion. He assured them that restoration efforts and protective barriers would be implemented without delay.

Surveillance room

Earlier on Monday, Mr. Manikandan announced the establishment of a surveillance room on the Karaikal weekly market premises to monitor market activities. Inspecting the site, he directed municipal officials to prevent water stagnation and unhygienic conditions during rains by filling potholes with sand for better accessibility. He instructed the immediate removal of waste left behind after the weekly Sunday market and assigned HR Square employees to oversee the surveillance setup.