Wed Feb 05 15:30:05 UTC 2025: ## Rameswaram Fishermen Protest Boat Restrictions for Katchatheevu Festival
**RAMESWARAM, February 5, 2025** – Traditional fishermen in Rameswaram staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding permission to use fiberglass reinforced plastic motorised boats to attend the annual St. Antony’s Church festival in Katchatheevu. The fishermen argue that the cost of travelling on mechanized boats (₹1,300 per person) is prohibitive, preventing many from participating in the festival, a tradition they have maintained for years.
Advocate J. Brinso Raymond stated that while both mechanized and country boats were previously permitted, the high cost of mechanized boats excludes many. He explained that they petitioned the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court in 2024 to allow the use of more affordable fiberglass boats (capable of carrying 9-10 people for approximately ₹2,500 total). The court ordered the district administration and fisheries department to decide on the matter, but no decision has been communicated.
Raymond alleges that officials citing safety concerns regarding fiberglass boats should instead inspect their stability and issue permits if they are deemed safe. He emphasized the historical participation of traditional fishermen in the festival and the financial barrier now preventing their attendance.
A Fisheries Department official confirmed receipt of the petition and stated that a decision on allowing fiberglass boats will be made after studying the feasibility. The protest highlights the economic disparity impacting the fishermen’s ability to participate in a long-standing religious tradition.
First Piper 