Boats and coracles to be procured for flood rescue in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has called for tenders to procure fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) coracles for use in urban areas in the event of flooding. Nearly 200 coracles, each costing ₹13,000, are to be acquired for areas where waterlogging is not expected to be too deep.

Sources in the Department said they were calling for bids on behalf of the Disaster Management Department, which has allocated funds for the purpose. “We are also procuring 300 boats, many without propellers. We are opting for engine- and propeller-free boats; otherwise, if there are obstructions under the water, the boats could easily capsize,” explained a source.

Each boat is priced at around ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh. Factors such as the sturdiness of the craft, its carrying capacity, and buoyancy are being taken into consideration. This is the second tender for boats, as the first call received few responses.

The craft is expected to have a minimum lifespan of five years, during which maintenance will not be required. “It is sufficient if they are not exposed to direct sunlight. Once procured, the boats and coracles will be handed over to the respective district collectors for use as needed,” added another official source.

With instances of urban flooding on the rise, the services of fishermen have been employed for rescue operations in many cities, including Chennai, over the past few years. “Each boat is rented at ₹4,000 per day. Considering that a boat can be purchased for around ₹1.5 lakh, buying one is more economical in the long run,” said an industry watcher.

He also added that purchasing the boats and handing them over to the Fisheries Department would be better. “They can coordinate with Revenue Department officials and operate the boats during floods. At other times, the craft can be kept at the department’s inland farms, where they can be used for reservoir management, inspections, and sample collection,” he said.

A retired Fisheries Department official recalled that in 2018-19, around 20 coracles were brought from Mettur dam and used in the outskirts of Chennai. He recalled an instance where a baby was delivered in one such coracle at Padappai. “Since it is a very small craft, it is convenient to use it on city roads,” he added.