Sail for living

During my recent visit to Easwaramangalam — the quiet locale near Ponnani on the banks of river Nila, I got a rare opportunity to observe and experience the life style of fisher folk from Mysore.

Typical lifestyle
Fisher folk from Karnataka come to settle on the banks of Nila in Easwaramangalam from the winter season onwards. The family of fisher folk live in the thatched hut, which is made of plastic sheets. All facilities needed for a comfortable stay are provided inside it. They cook in the open areas adjacent to the huts. Mornings and evenings are utilised for fishing in the river using lengthy traditional nets.

Coracle or rounded boats are used for fishing. The catch that includes indigenous varieties like Paral, Kuyil, Vala, and Karimeen, will later be sold to the villagers. As the coracle is made of eco-friendly materials, it does not create any form of pollution to the river ecosystem.Women spend their time cooking meal and mending nets ready for the next day while children are busy playing on the river banks.

I had an interaction with the fisher community and was surprised to see them talking Malayalam fluently. After the interaction, I went for a short cruise for ten minutes through the placid waters of Bharathapuzha amidst the small islands in the river. The water level was sufficient and there were ripples and breeze. The fisherman rowed the bowl boat using single paddle. I also got a chance to ride the coracle for a few minutes. All together the ride was totally marvellous and it offered a charming experience. The fisher folk would go back to their homes before the rainy season.

Small islets & Chamravattom regulator cum bridge
Several islands are formed in the river due to low water level. The river is the prime attraction of the region and villagers depend upon it for their livelihood. It is very stunning and its width is massive. The river bed is an ideal habitat for the winged visitors — both indigenous and migratory ones.

One could spot buffaloes, cows and goats on the islands due to the presence of dry grass. Chamravattom regulator cum bridge — the largest one in the state built across Nila — can be viewed from Easwaramangalam. From the ghats I click beautiful photographs of bridge, sunset, islets and flock of birds. Fishermen moving in small canoes through the river at frequent intervals is a visual treat.

(The writer is a lecturer at the School of Tourism Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam)