UDUPI: During their work season that starts on fast-approaching August 1, fishermen in Kodi Kanyana have no option but to wait either for the full moon day or no moon day.
The reason: This is when high tides in the sea make it possible for them take their boats out and venture into the sea to earn their livelihood.
Due to accumulation of huge amounts of silt over the years in this natural jetty, fishermen fear untying ropes which fasten their boats to the anchor, as an incident of 30 fishing boats capsizing at one go during one such attempt in 2016, is still etched in their memory.
These fishermen were hopeful when efforts were made in 2017 at dredging works with the allotment of Rs 6 crore jointly by the Union and state governments.
However, those hopes were short-lived as Yojaka India Private Limited, Mangaluru, to which the contract was awarded, stalled the work halfway.
Chandra Kanchan Kodi, president of fishermen’s association, told TNIE that officials had assured them that dredging would be given to some other company, but so far no re-tendering has been initiated.
He further said that the officials had also promised the construction of a T-shaped jetty in Kodi Kanyana and even Rs 2 crore was released for the work, but nothing has moved in this direction either.
"If the dredging is done and the jetty constructed, fishermen from Hoode to Gangolli coastline will be a relieved lot,’’ he added.
Manchegowda, executive engineer, Port and Fisheries department, Udupi subdivision said that the silt removal activity had to be halted due to CRZ issues.
"We have apprised the department concerned of the urgent need to resume the dredging work at the Kodi Kanyana fisheries jetty. Work will be taken up as its tender is floated,” he added.