Thuravoor: Though the authorities claim that inspections to prohibit extraction of ‘Malli Kakka’ (young clams) are stringent in Vembanad lake, the scooping up of tiny clams continues here. The fisheries department had warned labourers that they are only permitted to collect adult clams or otherwise the department will seize their equipment and impose penalty. Those who violate the order may be awarded 6 months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 15,000. However, the young clams are being collected without paying heed to the directions. 

Hundreds of locals in Aroor constituency are indulging in collecting clamps in Vembanad lake and in the rush to earn a living many of them forget to classify the size of the collecting clams. The collection of young clams will result in the depletion of the clam resources eventually. 

Only the clams with a length of more than 20 mm are allowed to be collected from lakes. Hence, the fishermen have to use nets with mesh size of over 20 mm or else the boats will be seized by the department.