Protests in Ennore Over Electricity Towers, Pollution, and Livelihood Loss

Residents of eight fishing hamlets in Ennore have been staging protests against Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation (Tantransco) for various issues including the construction of electricity towers, pollution from thermal plants, and restricted access to fishing grounds. Over 500 residents gathered on August 3 to voice their concerns and demand remedial action from the State authorities.

The protesters highlighted issues such as pollution, restricted fishing access, and unapproved tower construction. Some residents called for permanent government jobs, while others sought the dredging of parts of the Kosasthalaiyar to restore fishing livelihoods.

Tantransco stated that towers were erected as part of the Ennore Thermal Power Station Expansion Project, with some of them impacting water bodies. The National Green Tribunal had previously ordered Tantransco to remove temporary road structures for tower erection due to environmental concerns. Locals also criticized the dumping of construction debris by Tantransco and Tangedco, impacting fishing viability in the creek.