Twelve fishing villages in Chennai have announced plans to protest against the state government's decision to construct a new Secretariat building on a 25-acre site in Pattinapakkam. Representatives argue that the land is historically occupied by fishing communities and that the project threatens their livelihoods and access to the coast.
Fishermen's associations have expressed strong opposition, noting that the area is vital for boat storage and net mending. They further contend that the construction would restrict their movement and access to the sea, violating their traditional rights to the coastal land.
A consultative meeting is scheduled for September 15 in Pattinapakkam to determine the strategy for the upcoming protests. Organizers have invited residents from 50 surrounding fishing villages to participate in the discussion regarding the project's impact on their community.
