Fisher Unions Go on Strike Across Kerala over Kollam Sea Mining
The southern state of Kerala has been witness to a massive strike by the fisher community, with fishing harbours, fish landing centres, and the transportation of fish by road coming to a grinding halt. The strike has been called to protest against the Union government’s move to mine the sea off the Kollam coast. The move, if implemented, is expected to have severe environmental consequences, including erosion of the coastal regions.
The fisher unions in Kerala, including the Kerala State Fishermen’s Congress, the National Fishworkers’ Forum, and the All Kerala Fishermen’s Union, have joined hands to protest against the proposed mining. The strike, which began on a massive scale on [date], has brought the fishing industry in the state to a standstill. Fishermen from all over the state, including those from Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam, have participated in the strike.
The protesters are worried about the impact that mining will have on their livelihoods and the environment. They fear that the mining activity will damage the marine ecosystem, leading to a decline in fish stocks and affecting the local fishing industry. The strike has also received support from various political parties, including the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Indian National Congress (INC).
“We are against the proposed mining as it will have severe environmental consequences,” said K. Suresh Kumar, a fisherman from Kollam. “We have been living off the sea for generations, and if the mining is allowed, it will not only affect our livelihoods but also the environment. We urge the government to reconsider its decision,” he added.
Experts have also flagged the potential environmental erosion due to mining. “The mining activity will lead to the destruction of coral reefs, mangroves, and other marine habitats,” said Dr. S. Sujith, a marine biologist from the University of Kerala. “This will have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem, leading to a decline in fish stocks and affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on fishing,” he added.
The strike has also received support from various civil society organizations and environmental groups. “We support the fishermen’s strike as it is a just cause,” said V. S. Vijayan, an environmental activist from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment. “The government should prioritize the environment and the livelihoods of the people over its economic interests,” he added.
The strike has also had an impact on the local economy, with the prices of fish and other seafood products rising. “The strike has affected the supply of fish and seafood products, leading to a rise in prices,” said S. Sreejith, a wholesale fish dealer from Ernakulam. “We are already facing losses due to the fall in fish stocks, and the strike has only added to our woes,” he added.
The government has so far remained silent on the issue, with no official statement being issued on the proposed mining activity. However, the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, has expressed his support for the fishermen’s strike, saying that the government will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of the fishermen.
As the strike continues, the fisher community is demanding that the government reconsider its decision to allow mining off the Kollam coast. They are also seeking the government’s intervention to ensure that the environment is protected and the livelihoods of the people are not affected.
