Row over closing of shutters of barrage

‘The move will impact fish wealth’

The Irrigation Department has begun closing down shutters of the Thanneermukkom barrage to prevent intrusion of seawater into Kuttanad.

Though District Collector A. Alexander on Sunday directed to close 60 shutters and regulate the functioning of the rest 30 gates, the Irrigation Department could only close 15 shutters as of Monday evening. Fishermen under the aegis of Dheevara Sabha have come out against the decision and blocked the lowering of shutters stating the salinity level had not increased in the lake and downing the shutters would impact the fish wealth.