Fishermen claim that they could not venture into the sea due to accumulation of silt at the mouth of the sea. | Photo Credit: S_S_KUMAR more-in Fishermen from several coastal hamlets laid siege to the dredging vessel at the Thengaithittu fishing harbour here on Friday to register their protest against delay in dredging the sea mouth. Nearly 60 fishermen led by Fibre Boat Owners’ Association president Bhaskar laid siege to the dredger at the harbour here. A. Kangeyan, former president of Puducherry Fibre Boat Owners Association, claimed that the extensive delay in commencing dredging had caused substantial loss running up to crores of rupees to fishermen. It has been nearly a month since the dredging work was inaugurated by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy at the fishing harbour. Though officials promised that work would be completed soon the work has been proceeding at a snail’s pace. Fishermen have stopped venturing into the sea over the last 40 days due to unprecedented accumulation of silt at the mouth of the sea. The dredging work has slowed down due to technical problems and hundreds of fishing vessels remain berthed in the harbour. This has affected the livelihood of fishermen. The government should also ensure adequate compensation to fishermen who have suffered extensive damage due to lack of livelihood, he said.

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