Government allocates five anchorages in Kollam for Muthalapozhy fishers cut off from sea due to siltation of harbour mouth

Relief for Muthalapozhy fishers as government secures new landing centers in Kollam, addressing siltation issues and safety concerns.

Some relief seemed near at hand for the beleaguered fishers at Muthalapozhy largely cut off from sea for almost a month due to unprecedented siltation at the harbour mouth.

The government has secured five fish landing centres with mooring facilities in Kollam. From Monday, fishers from Muthalapozhy could dock their sea-faring boats at Jonakapuram, Vadi, Muthakkara, Port Kollam, and Thankassery anchorages and resume fishing operations. 

Hundreds of deep-draught fishing boats had been lying idle at anchor at Muthalapozhy, causing lost working days and harming the local fishing economy.

The siltation at the harbour mouth has rendered the waters choppy and perilous for these vessels, resulting in loss of life and injury to boat crews and loss of pricey fishing gear, including nets. Over the years, accidents at the harbour mouth have claimed at least 18 lives and injured scores of others.

An office-bearer from a Congress-aligned fishers’ union stated that the temporary relocation of fishing vessels to the Kollam district would entail more losses for residents of Muthalapozhy. The local community was distraught that economic activity, including fish wholesale and retail and fishing sector-related businesses, would diminish.

“A modern harbour ensuring smooth ingress and egress of fishing boats without the fear of capsizing at the estuary’s turbulent inlet was the only lasting solution for Muthalapozhy,” he added. 

Officials said Kollam District Collector N. Devidas, had consulted local fishers, who reportedly agreed to host their compatriots from Muthalapozhy.