Fisherfolk who work out of Kasimedu Fishing Harbour sought the construction of a flyover in place of the proposed expansion of Ennore-Manali Highway that they said was a direct threat to their livelihood.
Chennai Kasimedu Integrated Coastal Fishermen Protection Committee members briefed the media about the lack of alternative measures that were to be provided by the Chennai Port Trust to the affected fisherfolk that included provision of alternative site to continue with their trade.
Former member of the Fishing Harbour Management Committee, Sesha, told Express that the operating area for the unloading of the fish would shrink after expansion of Chennai-Ennore Port Road Connectivity project.
Taking pot shots at Port Trust officials, the fishermen said that their fore-fathers gave up their lands where they were born and raised to the Chennai Port Trust Harbour on condition that they would be provided with all the facilities in the Fishing Harbour. The promise was never kept.
“We were now being called as encroachers by the Port Trust, which is unacceptable. They warn us of eviction on August 4 if we do not vacate,” rued J Kosumani, president, Tamil Nadu Meenava Makkal Sangam.
“Unloading, transporting, wholesaling and retailing of the catch, which involves 120 tonnes per day, will be hampered,” said K Bharathi of South Indian Fishermen’s Welfare Association.
“At present, there is no clarity on as how the fishermen would reach the fishing harbour as the existing entries to the Fishing Harbour would be closed during the expansion,” he added.
“We are not against the expansion, but we are worried about the livelihood of several thousands of fishermen who were earning their livelihood either directly or indirectly through the allied industry,” noted S A Mahesh, president, All Indian Traditional Fishermen Association.
“Port Trust should dredge an alternative site for the trade to go on without any hindrance before asking us to vacate,” he added.
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