Orissa fishermen seek scrapping of CZM notification

In a veiled opposition to the upcoming Dhamara port, the Orissa Traditional Fish Workers’ Union (OTFWU) has sought the scrapping of the newly proposed Coastal Zone Management (CZM) notification of the Centre.

The union feels that the CZM notification is meant for development of large commercial ports like Dhamra and it does not take into account the impact of these ports on the environment and the interests of the fishermen families. The union’s demand has been endorsed by Greenpeace, the international famed organization, which is opposing the Dhamra port tooth and nail. Dhamra Port is being developed by Dhamara Port Company Limited, a special purposed vehicle formed by Tata Steel and L&T.

In the run up to the Lok Sabha elections and the assembly polls in Orissa, OFTWU has sought the scrapping of the proposed CZM notification and demanded the implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zoe (CRZ) notification of 1991. The union has pledged its support to any political party which supports its charter of demands one of which includes scrapping of the proposed CMZ notification.

Addressing a press conference jointly convened by OTFWU and Greenpeace here, K Aleya, general secretary, OFTWU said, “The CMZ notification has been proposed by the Centre to facilitate setting up of large commercial ports like Dhamara without any consideration for the interests of the fishermen families. Some state governments are backing the proposed notification and we want the Orissa government to put pressure on the Centre to scrap this proposed notification .” “The Dhamra port is going to impact the livelihood of around 45,000 fishermen families in 18 villages in the state. DPCL which is developing the port has so far not given any concrete assurance to us on saving the livelihood of the fishermen families”, he added.

Other demands of OTFWU include starting a marine patrolling programme to ensure successful implementation of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA) of 1982, ensuring the right of passage through the core area and he harvest marine resources in the buffer zone of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary as per the Supreme Court order of 2004.

Other demands include inclusion of the representatives of the traditional fishermen community in the implementation of the renewed coastal security measures and issue of credit cards for al traditional fishermen in Orissa on the lines of the existing Kisan credit cards.

Backing the demands of OTFWU, Sanjeev Gopal, campaign manager (oceans) said, “Acting on the demands of OTFWU would directly or indirectly result in effective protection of biodiversity and environment. Greenpeace would continue to support OTFWU in its campaign and work in partnership with this union to ensure that the political system in Orissa acts in its favour.”