- Fishermen from 10 villages protested on Marina Loop Road for a protected fishing zone.
- They demand government action based on CRZ rules and a Madras High Court order.
- Concerns over urban projects like the Blue Flag beach and Marina Business Centre.
Fishermen from Nochikuppam to Srinivasa Puram staged a protest in Chennai, urging the government to establish a designated traditional fishing zone.
The protest also highlights concerns about urbanization projects threatening their livelihoods. The Greater Chennai Corporation’s initiatives, like the Blue Flag beach project and the Marina Business Centre, have faced backlash from the fishing community.
Chennai Fishermen Demand Protection Amidst Urban Expansion
For years, Chennai’s coastal fishing communities have battled against encroachment on their traditional workspaces. Their latest protest on Marina Loop Road is a continuation of efforts to secure a protected zone for their livelihoods. Fishermen argue that their needs must be prioritized in city planning, particularly when tourism and urban beautification projects threaten their access to the shore.
The CRZ notification of 2011 was designed to regulate coastal development while safeguarding fishing communities, but implementation remains inconsistent. Despite a 2020 Madras High Court order supporting demarcation of fishing zones, no concrete action has been taken. Fishermen are now demanding that these regulations be enforced to prevent further encroachment.
The concerns over development projects like the Marina Business Centre are not new. In December 2024, Nochikuppam residents protested against the Blue Flag beach project, fearing displacement. Similar resistance has emerged from other fishing villages, all urging the government to prioritize housing and livelihood security over commercial expansion.
This protest is part of a larger struggle between traditional communities and modern urban projects. Fishermen stress that their work is not just an occupation but a way of life, deeply connected to the coastal ecosystem. They are calling for policies that balance progress with the protection of Chennai’s fishing heritage.
The ongoing protests underscore a fundamental conflict between development and traditional livelihoods. Fishermen are demanding their rights be recognized, ensuring that urban expansion does not erase their generations-old connection to the sea.
“Progress is impossible without change, but those who cannot change their traditions do not truly progress.” – Adapted from George Bernard Shaw
