The fisherfolk in the district, deeply perturbed by the ban on fishing in certain areas of the Vembanad lake has demanded that the government provide fishermen with identity cards.
The idea has been mooted by Kanayannur Taluk committee of the Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha.
According to the committee members, issuing ID cards to fishermen would help them pursue their livelihood activities in prohibited areas of backwaters where there is a ban on fishing.
“The authorities have banned fishermen from entering selected areas citing security reasons and protection of backwaters. The authorities also allege that some fishermen are engaging in theft and other illegal activities. Others could be committing such illegal activities and putting the blame on fishermen. People with identity cards should be allowed to fish in such areas,” said Karthikeyan, a member of the committee.
According to him the authorities have prohibited fisherfolk from entering the backwater reach between Cochin Port and Thevara Bridge. “The area offers good catch, the ban in the area will hit the livelihood of the fishermen,” he said.
Kartikeyan said the Sabha members will meet the Fisheries Minister K Babu to bring the issue to his notice. Sources in the Fisheries Department said there is no option but to continue the ban in some areas due to security reasons.