Abstract:
Present study was conducted to determine the impacts of barrage construction on livelihood
status of fishers who involve fishing in Thondaimanaru lagoon. The data related to the socio
economic condition of the fisher folk in the particular area were obtained through a pre tested structured questionnaire and in-depth guided interviews from July 2016 to January
2017. Randomly selected 25 fishermen were interviewed. The collected data were subjected
to descriptive statistical analysis. Survey results indicated that 88% of fishermen are living
as nuclear families consisting of 4 - 5 members. Majority of fishermen are Hindus and 92%
are married. About 64% engaged in fishing are under age group of 36 - 55. Education is still
not prominent among the fishers. Only 84% has primary education. The main occupation in
this society is fishing and earned highest monthly income (6000 ± 1000). It was found that
installation of barrage plays a crucial role in socio - economic status of fishers of
Thondaimanaru lagoon, where it has severely affected the traditional employment of fishing
and reduced the production of fish and hence their income. It was apparent from the present
study that these fishermen have poor livelihood status and they need support from
government or other organizations to enhance their socio–economic status.
