Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 October 2024
The Fishermen Welfare Association of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has renewed its appeal to the central government, seeking the construction of a dedicated jetty for the fishing community in the Dugnabad area of Sri Vijaya Puram. The long-pending demand, which dates back to 1994, has once again been brought to the attention of the authorities through a letter addressed to the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal.
The letter, written by B. Hema Raju, General Secretary of the Fishermen Welfare Association, emphasizes the plight of the fishermen who were displaced from the Aberdeen Jetty nearly three decades ago. The Aberdeen Jetty, previously used for fishing activities, was repurposed for tourism-related projects in 1994, forcing the fishing community to vacate the space with the assurance that a new jetty would be constructed for them in Dugnabad. However, despite the passage of 30 years, the promise remains unfulfilled.
In a statement, Mr. Raju expressed the frustration felt by the fishermen over the lack of action. “Before 1994, fishermen were able to operate their fishing activities from Aberdeen Jetty. After we were evicted, we were promised a new jetty at Dugnabad, but no steps have been taken so far. Our community has been waiting for justice for far too long,” he said.
The situation is further compounded by the construction of a new slope ramp at Choulanga Jetty by the A&N Administration, which was intended to benefit the fishing community. However, Mr. Raju pointed out that the ramp, constructed under the supervision of the Fisheries Department, has not been made accessible to the fishermen. “It’s disheartening that even the facilities that are created for us are not handed over for use,” he added.
In response to the long-standing demand, the Directorate of Fisheries under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to the central government. The proposal seeks approval for the construction of a small jetty at Dugnabad under the “Sagartat Samridhi Yojana,” a scheme within the broader “Sagarmala Yojana” of the Ministry of Shipping. The jetty, once approved, would provide the fishermen with a permanent and designated space to carry out their livelihood activities, thereby fulfilling a long-pending promise.
The association has urged the central government to expedite the approval and construction process, ensuring that the fisherfolk of Dugnabad are finally provided with the infrastructure they were promised three decades ago. The association remains hopeful that Minister Sonowal will take swift action to address the issue.
The construction of the jetty is seen as essential for the survival of the local fishing industry, which remains a significant source of livelihood for the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The completion of this project would not only alleviate the struggles of the fishermen but also contribute to the overall development of the region.
The Fishermen Welfare Association has vowed to continue advocating for their rights until the promises made to them are honoured.