the hamlets near the Idukki reservoir, are a happy lot. The
restoration of the fishing right in the reservoir exclusively to the
tribes will help in eliminating poverty, provide them a regular income
and saving the lake from excess exploitation of fish wealth. The
project conceived by the Kerala Adivasi Development Society (KADS) is
still at an early stage of implementation. Raman Thevan, an adivasi
mooppan of Kozhimala, said that the monsoon season is the worst period
with diseases and poverty affecting the tribal people. The main
engagement of the tribes during the season is fishing in the reservoir
as there is depletion in the forest wealth and no other sources of
income. "We have been fishing in the reservoir since the dam was
constructed but unable to compete with non-tribes, many of us
abandoned it," Mr. Thevan said and added that the tribes catch fish by
angling and using small nets. While adivasis continue with their
primitive ways, use of illegal 'thotta' and nets by outsiders goes
unchecked, he said. V.R. Sasi, Kachiyar grama panchayat president,
said that the scheme is a major initiative aimed at uplifting the
tribes which contribute a large section in the panchayat. By
entrusting them with fishing right, illegal entry of outsiders can be
effectively checked, he said. Now the reservoir has a better fish
wealth thanks to the initiatives of non-governmental agencies and the
Fisheries Department in launching various fish varieties in the lake
last year. By entrusting the adivasis with the fishing right, it is
expected that the use of 'thotta' illegally by outsiders will be
checked. In Mullaperiyar lake in Kumily, the fishing right is
exclusively given to the tribal community. "It has been a success
providing additional income to the tribes, said an official at the
PTR.
The Hindu, July 9
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