INTERVIEW WITH COASTAL PEOPLE'S FEDERATION

Jones works for fishermen in Gulf of Manar coast , Thuthukudi. Out of 70,000 people living in the coast, the literacy rate is only below 40% of the total population. Even though the people have been fighting for their separate existence as a division of fisheries, they were combined with the agricultural division. Nearly twelve chemical industries have been set up in the coastal areas of Thuthukudi and chemical waste from these industries pollute the sea. In 1989, the coast was recognized as the National Marine Park. In 1991, the Coastal Regulation Act was passed, which favoured the industries more than the fishermen. In 1995, a huge agitation was organized against the mining companies by Ryan who started the 'Coastal People’s Federation'. Huge protests were organized consecutively in the years 2008,2009 and 2010, in Thiruchanthur. Immediately after the protest, the government passed the subsidy for kerosene. CZM, an act which says that 12 nautical miles of the sea were completely under the control of the government and fishing was restricted in that particular area. This was again questioned. A slogan was raised which said "Coast and Coastal area belong to us". Later on the First Friday of every month is celebrated as "Fisherman's Grievance Day". Even though many riots and protests had taken place, not even one act has been passed in fishermen's favour so far.