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Chennai: The sea which has been fishermen's friend since their birth
has betrayed them. After the devastation of December 26 tsunami they have
no other option but to go back to the sea. And that is what many of them
are gradually doing on Tamil Nadu's coasts. "The fishermen are scared,
they have to come out of fear. We have done a trial today. Hereafter,
they need not worry about the tsunami," said Jayakumar, Minister of Information
and Technology, before flagging off the boats and assuring them that all
measures to rebuild the fishing industry would be taken up. Those returning
to the sea have not displayed their usual confidence. But knowing that
the Government cannot help them for their bread and butter, the fishermen
now have shelved their fear and are going deep into the sea. "We are going
for about 50 km far into the sea after the tsunami hit the coast 18 days
back. We have lost our boats and nets and the Government has to help us
in getting back them," said Nagalingam, a fisherman. The giant tidal waves,
something which is very new to the Indians killed nearly 7,400 in the
state itself, more than 15,636 in the country and 1,56,060 in the south
east Asian countries ravaging both people and their properties, and land.
Authorities are now working on a plan, consulting housing experts. Options
include prefabricated fibre glass shelters or giving the fishermen free
bamboo, timber and tin sheets to rebuild. |
