Chennai, 11 September (H.S.):

Residents of 12 fishing villages in Chennai have decided to protest against the Tamil Nadu government’s proposed new Secretariat complex at Pattinapakkam, warning that it could threaten coastal livelihoods. A consultative meeting to decide the agitation plan will be held at Pattinapakkam on September 15.

The government has announced that its new administrative headquarters will be constructed on a 25-acre coastal site. Political parties, fishermen’s organisations and residents have opposed the decision, arguing that the land is essential for fishing and other sea-based occupations.

Fishermen’s groups said construction would restrict access to the shore and disrupt areas used for anchoring boats, repairing equipment and weaving nets. They also cited court restrictions on construction in turtle-nesting zones and raised concerns about the project’s environmental consequences.

Bharathi, a coordinator of fishing village councils in the Mylapore area, said the coastal land had traditionally been used by fishermen and should be allotted for housing fishing families. The community has been seeking houses on its ancestral land since 2023, he said.

Residents also fear that security arrangements around the Secretariat will restrict their movement and access to the sea. Fishermen are already prevented from venturing out during Independence Day events at Fort St. George. Barricades around the proposed complex could make fishing operations more difficult.

The project could also worsen traffic congestion in the Santhome-Pattinapakkam area. Fishermen alleged that Minister Venkataramanan had promised them housing land before the election but was now unwilling to discuss their demand.

The affected communities include Mullikuppam, Mullima Nagar, Pattinapakkam, Srinivasapuram, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Bhavani Kuppam, Urur Kuppam, Selvarajapuram, Dooming Kuppam and Nochikuppam.

Fishermen’s organisations estimate that more than 1,500 families in Mullikuppam and neighbouring areas depend on this coastal stretch. Representatives of all 12 villages will attend the September 15 meeting and formulate a joint protest strategy.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman