During my visit to Palavakkam
beach on Sunday, I find two fishermen putting their manpower in oar against the
offshore tides in their catamaran rather using a motor. But only later I
realized it is because of 45 day annual ban on deep sea fishing, to facilitate
breeding of fish. According to the Tamil Nadu Marine Fisheries Regulation Act
1983, the ban was enforced for the conservation of species propagation during
the breeding season, which comes into force from April 15th, halts
the fishing operations by mechanised and motorised boats.
The fishermen were on their
chance looking for fish and the flag coloured boat was rowed by both the men
but in two different ways. One was putting oar sitting well on the rear and the
other stood centre and propel the boat with a pole, which seems to be called punting.
I really wonder how long could they go by like this against the heavy ocean
wind. I know this is how fishing has been before motors are found and fixed to catamaran,
and there are fishermen who don’t know anything rather fishing seem to be
hooked this way instead sit back and wait for the ban period.
While the scene here was like
this, the other side, were the sunset, was quite drastic and splendid. Even
though the beach was crowded enough for being Sunday and summer evening, it was
quite wonderful being out and to Palavakkam beach after long time. During my
reside in our flat in Thiruvanmiyur I used to visit this beach at least twice a
month and it is the most quiet being among the beaches in Chennai.
Palavakkam Beach |