Chennai, October 4 (Daily Kiran) : Fishermen from ten coastal villages in Pattinapakkam will march with black flags on Sunday to protest against the Tamil Nadu government‘s proposal to use local land for a new assembly and secretariat complex.
The demonstration, organized by the fishing community’s council in the Mylapore area, will take place at the junction of Mullikuppam-Srinivasapuram Loop Road. Residents of fishing areas plan to display black flags along the beach in opposition to the project.
The council is demanding the withdrawal of Government Order (GO) 564, which outlines the plan for the proposed complex. Fishermen argue that the land should remain reserved for the welfare, rehabilitation, and housing needs of the traditional fishing community.
This protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations against the proposal. On September 29, fishermen also protested, urging the government to revoke the order and ensure that the land remains available to the coastal community.
If there is no change in the government’s stance, the council has decided to escalate their campaign by continuing to display black flags in protest.
According to the council, the land in survey numbers 4592 and 4593 was originally acquired through GO MS No. 3313 on October 10, 1957. It was specifically designated for the rehabilitation and long-term housing of local fishermen.
The council contends that using this property for a government administrative complex contradicts the original purpose for which it was acquired and would undermine previous assurances made to the fishing community.
Fishermen have also cited the state’s climate risk assessment, arguing that despite projected sea level rises by 2050 and 2100, the Mullikuppam area is expected to remain largely safe.
The fishing community is urging the government to officially recognize the area as a residential zone for fishermen under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification of 2019.
Protesters assert that coastal land traditionally associated with fishing communities should be preserved for their housing and livelihood needs rather than being repurposed for large infrastructure projects. They have called on the government to reconsider the proposed allocation and engage in dialogue with residents before moving forward with the secretariat project.
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