Fishermen from hamlets in and around Ennore Creek, Tamil Nadu, staged a protest on Wednesday against the installation of transmission towers by the Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation (Tantransco) in their fishing grounds. Men from Kattukuppam, Ennorekuppam, Chinnakuppam, Periyakuppam, and Mugadwarakuppam anchored their boats around the construction site to voice their opposition.
They demanded that the agency remove the construction debris dumped into the water, which was meant for the transmission tower construction. The fishermen expressed concerns about the impact of the debris, fly ash, and other impurities on the waterbody, which is their sole source of livelihood. They highlighted how the pollution has led to the disappearance of fishes, prawns, and crabs that were once abundant in the creek.
The protesters called for the dredging of the waterbody and urged the responsible government and private agencies to take action to protect their fishing grounds. The fishermen plan to make a representation to the Tiruvallur Collector on Friday to address their grievances.