Rameswaram, July 8 (IANS) Fishing activities resumed in the Rameswaram region of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday after the Fisheries Department lifted a four-day ban imposed due to rough sea conditions and strong winds that had made venturing into the sea unsafe.

The suspension had affected hundreds of fishermen operating motorised boats and traditional country boats from key fishing centres, including Rameswaram, Pamban and Mandapam, in Ramanathapuram district.

The ban was enforced after strong winds and turbulent seas lashed the region over the past several days, posing a serious risk to the safety of fishermen and their vessels. Fisheries officials had directed all fishermen in the affected coastal areas to remain ashore until further notice, citing adverse weather conditions and the possibility of accidents at sea.

The precautionary measure was intended to safeguard lives as the sea remained highly disturbed due to the prevailing weather system.

With weather conditions improving and the sea becoming calmer, the Fisheries Department reviewed the situation and decided to permit fishing operations to resume.

Officials said the reduction in wind speed and the improvement in sea conditions made it safe for fishermen to return to their routine activities.

From Wednesday morning, fishermen operating motorised boats from Rameswaram were allowed to obtain the mandatory permission tokens from the Fisheries Department’s token office before setting out to sea.

The token system, which regulates the movement of fishing vessels, was restored as normal operations resumed. Fishing activity also restarted in the Mandapam region, where motorised fishing boats began leaving the harbour early in the day after receiving official clearance.

Traditional country boats were also permitted to resume operations following the easing of weather conditions.

The lifting of the ban has brought relief to the fishing community, which had remained idle for four consecutive days due to the unfavourable weather.

The suspension had disrupted the livelihood of fishermen and delayed the supply of fresh fish to local markets.

Although fishing has now resumed, Fisheries Department officials have advised fishermen to continue exercising caution while at sea and to closely monitor weather advisories. They have also urged boat operators to follow all safety protocols and remain alert to any sudden changes in weather or sea conditions.

Authorities said the situation will continue to be monitored, and further decisions will be taken depending on future weather forecasts and sea conditions.

–IANS

aal/dpb