CHENNAI: Fishermen in Pulicat-Ennore area are restrained from indulging in fishing activities only for four hours during the launch of a rocket from Sriharikota, the Madras High Court was informed on Tuesday.
Denying the allegation of fishermen that they were restrained from carrying on fishing activities for 15 to 20 days during the launch of a rocket, the government submitted in its counter-affidavit that the fishermen were restricted only from entering into the Sriharikota coastal waters for four hours on the day of launch and that too in an area extending into the sea up to 15 nautical miles. They were not restricted to move in other areas even on the day of launching, the counter added.
Since there was no ban on the fishing right of the fishermen, the earlier interim orders passed on July 7 this year was modified, the First Bench comprising Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice TS Sivagnanam said on Tuesday. “The fishermen can exercise their right of fishing in the place in question...” the bench said and disposed of the writ petition from the fishermen seeking compensation from the government for the ban period.