Hit by annual ban, Kasimedu fisherfolk turn to odd jobs

However, make hay while the sun shines, is a policy he takes seriously. “If I don’t figure out a means of income, my family will starve. So during this free time, not only do I mend my fishing nets, but fix that of others too,” he said.

Joseph has three mouths to feed, including his wife, disabled brother and himself. “I earn around Rs 50 for every five metres of the net that I fix. In a day, I can only mend around 20-30 metres because I can’t see after dark. This income is sufficient to support my family,” he added.

Like him, many other fishermen who supply to the markets located in Kasimedu and Chintadripet among others, are at a loss of work due to the ban. Their enterprising spirit and ability to hustle is what keeps them going.

Bhaskar and his brother usually buy fish from Kasimedu when the initial catch comes in, and their mother Anjalai sells at a small stall in the same locality. “Nowadays, my mother sits at home because it is too hot to go outside, while my brother Mandai and I help load gunny sacks for a rice mandi close by. The income is barely enough but we’re managing with the help of the government compensation,” said the elder sibling.

Some families are content with the financial assistance of Rs 5,000 but many feel otherwise. B Menaka said, “How is any family living in the city supposed to manage with such a meager amount? I work as domestic help in two homes and earn a total of Rs 6,000. This is sufficient just for rent. My husband, who is a fisherman, has joined work as a security guard from 8 pm to 8 am and gets Rs 5,000. This income isn’t sufficient to run our house. I hope the government considers increasing this from the next ban.”