CPI(M) wants mechanisms in place to safeguard fishermen livelihood rights while framing coastal policy
In a statement, S. Ramachandran, CPI(M) State Secretary said it was imperative that the formulation of a framework for managing marine resources was done in a transparent manner and after holding detailed consultations as it had a direct bearing on the livelihood of the fisherfolk communities.
He alleged that the government was opaque about the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework being evolved under the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative that has as its objective striking a balance between growth, sustainable management of ocean resources and coastal environment preservation.
Pointing out that the Centre had selected Puducherry and Lakshadweep to pilot the initiative, the CPI(M) said the lack of transparency on the part of the government raised concerns that Puducherry's coastline would become a 'test-bed' for anti-people and pro-corporate policies.
Meanwhile, critical flaws had been flagged in the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan under formulation, Mr. Ramachandran said. In the draft plan, there were major irregularities in the maps showing the fishing areas and land use spaces of the coastal community, he added.
The CPI(M) leader called for suspension of these ongoing projects until consultations were held with all stakeholders, ecological concerns addressed and protection of traditional fishing rights was guaranteed.
Moreover, while the much-touted Blue Economy aimed at making India a five trillion dollar economy from tapping ocean resources, there were no concrete measures spelt out to safeguard fishermen rights and their livelihoods, he said.
The CPI(M) advocated for promulgating a special protection law for fishermen rights on the lines of the ones in effect for hill-forest dwellers.
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