"This is our livelihood, where would we go?": Fishermen protest against proposed new Secretariat at Chennai's Pattinapakkam
Fishermen in Pattinapakkam raise black flags against the proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat complex, fearing loss of livelihood and freedom.
LABEL: FOCUS: Pattinapakkam fishermen protest LABEL: SEO_TITLE: Chennai Fishermen Protest New Secretariat Project LABEL: SEO_DESC: Fishermen in Pattinapakkam raise black flags against the proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat complex, fearing loss of livelihood and freedom. LABEL: TAGS: Tamil Nadu, Chennai News, India News LABEL: SLUG: pattinapakkam-fishermen-protest-secretariat-project
"This is our livelihood, where would we go?": Fishermen protest new Secretariat
The coastal community of Pattinapakkam in Chennai erupted in protest on Tuesday, as local fishermen raised black flags to voice their fierce opposition to the Tamil Nadu government's plan to construct a new Secretariat complex in their territory. The demonstration, which saw a heavy police presence, highlights a growing conflict between massive state infrastructure projects and the traditional rights of coastal residents.
Generations of Livelihood at Risk
For the families living in the area, the proposed project is not just a matter of construction, but a direct threat to their survival. Fishermen from more than ten different hamlets have united to demand the immediate withdrawal of the government order that paves the way for the Rs 1,200 crore project.
Speaking to the media, Krishnan, a local fisherman, expressed a deep sense of betrayal. "We have been fishing here for generations," he stated, noting that the community had previously viewed the current leadership as allies. "We thought CM Vijay is a friend of the fishermen community after MGR, but his decision to build a Secretariat complex here is a shock to us."
The protesters have proposed an alternative: instead of a massive administrative complex, they have requested that the 25 acres of land earmarked for the project be used to build housing for the fishing community. "This is our livelihood; where would we go?" Krishnan added, expressing hope for a favorable response from the Chief Minister.
Concerns Over Freedom and Daily Life
The fishermen argue that the presence of high-profile government buildings has already begun to shrink their operational space. They claim that the existing proximity to the Chief Minister's residence already imposes restrictions on their ability to fish and sell their catch.
The community highlighted several specific grievances:
- Loss of Freedom: Fears that a new Secretariat will further restrict their movement and traditional occupation.
- Police and Department Pressure: Allegations that the Fisheries Department and police exert undue pressure on fishermen during major government events.
- Disruption of Education: Concerns that the massive project will adversely affect the lives and stability of nearly 20,000 schoolchildren residing in the vicinity.
The fishermen pointed out that even during national celebrations, such as Independence Day, they are often told by the Fisheries Department to stay away from the water when the Chief Minister arrives in the area to hoist the flag. They claim this pattern of restriction will only intensify if the new complex is built.
A Growing Political Battleground
The proposed Secretariat project has become a flashpoint for political tension in Tamil Nadu. Beyond the local fishermen, the plan has drawn significant opposition from major political entities, including the DMK, AIADMK, and various allies such as the VCK and Left parties.
Having previously set a deadline for the revocation of the government order, the fishing community has warned that if their demands are not met, they are prepared to escalate their struggle into a large-scale, statewide protest.