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- “If the government truly cared about farmers, it should have convened an all-party meeting. The TVK government is adopting a new technique to deal with TN’s issues.” – Udhayanidhi Stalin
- “There is no problem with changing the names of schemes; what matters is that the schemes continue. Schemes that people value should continue regardless of which party is in power.” – DMDK MLA Premalatha Vijayakant (in the Assembly)
- The Chennai High Court has issued a strong directive to the police to immediately register an FIR if customers are charged extra for liquor.
- “The CM keeps warning at every meeting that no one who accepts bribes can remain in the Cabinet. Not a single MLA or minister has taken even one rupee as a bribe in any department.” – Minister Aadhav Arjuna
- “If the Tamil Nadu CM faces any humiliation while visiting Karnataka, the entire state of TN will rise in protest.” – Premalatha
- “Udhayanidhi is destroying the movement founded by Anna with obscene language. Remarks that demean women are unacceptable.” – Minister Aadhav
- “Crippling the opposition is condemnable. Expressing opinions is a democratic right. Democracy is upheld by responding to opinions with counter-opinions, not by making arrests. Differences of opinion should not be dealt with through arrests.” – Premalatha
- “Avoiding the imprisonment of Udhayanidhi would enhance the ruling party’s credibility.” – Thirumavalavan
- “Why is CM Vijay showing more urgency regarding the arrest operation than he did regarding the Cauvery river water issue?” – Seeman
Coimbatore
Out on a fishing spree
July 25, 2016
Fishermen are on a fishing spree. In the absence of zoning or seasonal approach to fishing, they are out to liberate the lakes of fish at an alarming rate. This, ahead of the migratory season here.
Though the fishermen are allowed to fish in the lakes on contract basis – given under various criteria – the non-scientific methods adopted for fishing by some of them could easily empty the lakes leaving nothing for the birds to feed on.
For example, fishing at the Muthannankulam Lake. The lake is leased for a year to the fishermen, who hold the sole right to fish in that particular lake. According to a fisherman, they breed fish in the lake and fish only when they have fully grown.
However, environmentalists say despite helping the biodiversity of the lakes by breeding fish, they do not have a fixed season for fishing.
“Fishing should happen at a season when it does not affect the birds that flock in large numbers during the migratory season. If they fish now, it will have an impact on the birds when the season begins in October,” K. Mohan Raj from the Save the Coimbatore Wetlands said.
He further added that lakes should also be zoned as fishing and non-fishing areas so that birds get their share too.
“Using long nets should be curbed. Only small nets should be used,” said another activist.
This being the case, consuming these fish by humans could lead to several serious ailments as they are believed to have arsenic and mercury in them, according to a survey.
When contacted, a city-based doctor said arsenic and mercury could have bad effects on the kidneys and the respiratory system. Long term consumption of these fish could lead to cancer ad neurological disorders especially in children, the doctor warned.
