Hygiene Woes at Kasimedu Harbour Keep Fish Exporters at Bay
Poor cleanliness and maintenance at Chennai's Kasimedu fishing harbour are driving exporters away and forcing fishermen to sell their catch at low prices.
Fish exports from Kasimedu fishing harbour remain a small fraction of the catch, with poor hygiene and upkeep cited as the main reasons. A video circulating on social media recently showed maggots on blood near the fish cutting line, drawing fresh attention to conditions at the harbour.
A fisherman explained that maggots form when waste blood from cut fish is not cleared quickly, and that the harbour lacks proper drains to carry and treat such liquid waste. Harbour users say they have long complained about the lack of maintenance across the vast campus.
"We are forced to sell our catch at lower prices than even Cuddalore or Nagapattinam due to lack of cleanliness. The water is black and the harbour has not been dredged in ages. We wash the fish in the same water," a fisherman said.
A boat owner said fish waste from city markets is brought to Kasimedu, processed and sent to companies for use in the cosmetic industry. "The waste raises such a stink that just crossing the location leaves the stench on our clothes. Though complaints have been filed with the local police, the Chennai Port's harbour management committee and fisheries AD, no action has been initiated against these people," a fisherman said.
Community leader Nanjil Ravi pointed out that internal roads are not properly paved or connected, the road outside the harbour has huge potholes, drinking water supply is unavailable because the overhead tank is still under construction, and only a small portion of a drain has been completed.
According to a retired Fisheries Department official, it is unclear who controls the harbour, since most of it, except the auction halls, falls under the State government, while the rest is under the Chennai Port Trust and the management committee.
"Fishermen want a clinic with a doctor and medicines and a fire station for emergencies. We don't know whom to complain about lack of hygiene. There is so much progress in every field but for the fishing industry, especially in Chennai. Each time a new government comes, some harbour improvement project will be implemented but unless all stakeholders come together and something is done, the harbour will remain just as dirty," he said.
Fishermen welcomed measures taken by the Greater Chennai Corporation, including new baskets to replace thermocol boxes and cleanliness drives, but said such efforts should be carried out regularly.