Fishing ban already in place near KKNPP

TIRUNELVELI: Taking strong exception to Collector R Selvaj’s statement, which claimed that there would not be any ban on fishing activities within 500 metres or 0.5 km area near Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP), activists have claimed that the ban on fishing is already in place in the said area.  It may be noted that a press statement released by the then District Collector M Jayaraman on September 30, 2010, stated that fishing activities in 500 metre around the KKNPP had been banned.  The statement, of which Express has a copy, states thus: “Under the power granted in Sec 5 sub-section 1 (a) of Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1983, and as per the order of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, fishing activities in 500 metre circumference around the KKNPP is banned.” Speaking to Express, activist S P Udayakumar said that the ban was already in force since Oct 1, 2010, and charged that Collector’s statement on Tuesday was misleading.It may be noted that Selvaraj, in a statement on Tuesday, reiterated that there was no ban and that they were just rumours.“The status quo is just the opposite as fishermen from Idinthakarai and Kootapuli are prevented from fishing in this area,” Udayakumar informed.Condemning the statement, he demanded that the Collector withdraw his words.