Last week, fishermen, who lent their boats to help those stranded in flood-hit areas of the city, have complained that they were not treated properly at many places during the rescue operation.
“We were asked to open the manhole cover and lift the motor to drain the water, and at some places, we were asked to clear the sludge. We did not go there to do such work. Our job was to save people, and we did so with all our satisfaction. We helped women and senior citizens and were happy that despite walking in mud and filth,” said Raghu, a fisherman from Nochikuppam.
A total of 66 men along with 22 boats from Nochikuppam helped those in need of evacuation or were ferrying to buy provisions or medicines. The water was chest high in some places, and at the end of rescue efforts, the men had to apply turmeric and coconut oil to their injured legs, Mr Raghu said.
Dhanpal, the owner of a boat, said the men were not even given food or a proper place to wait as they were waiting for their turn. “This happened especially in Velachery, where our men had to wait in a dark place without toilets. Only when he asked for food, he was sent to the nearest Amma Unavagam,” he said.
South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association’s K. Bharti said there have been many complaints of fishermen being ill-treated by them.
“It only shows that there was no proper planning at the zonal level. If you call people for help, you should make arrangements to ensure food and water for them. Some assistant engineers said they were new to the job, and therefore did not know what to do. In such a case, senior officials would have ensured that proper facilities are provided for the rescue team,” he said.
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