CHENNAI: Objecting to the proposed Kamarajar port limited (KPL)’s third phase expansion, which includes addition of 10 berths, fisher folk of Ennore creek along with environmentalists have demanded the Tiruvallur collector to declare the environmental public hearing conducted by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board on Friday as ‘invalid.’
The expansion, which would encroach upon Ennore creek will worsen flooding and wipe out fisher livelihoods, said Pooja Kumar of Coastal Resource Centre.
Stating that the port has violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification by approaching the central ministry for clearance, she said, “It is a clear violation of section 4.5 of CRZ notification, 2011, according to which the proposal should be brought to district and State Coastal Zone Management Authority (SCZMA) before approaching the Centre.”
Agitated fishermen and locals said the port has neglected to uplift their lives. “In exchange of our lands which had cashewnut plantations, they promised to employ over 100 men from Katupalli over 13 years back. Very less people were hired and after two years, they were fired too. Though they promised to take us back, it remains unfulfilled,” said K.M Julie, a housewife.
“Ecology of the creek is destructed as the port has dumped dredged spoils on the wetlands. It is an indirect way of shooing us away from our localities. The expansion will make Ennore, a concrete place with no hopes for us to live,” said an MBA graduate in the public hearing.
Locals also recollected how they trusted the management’s promises and had not objected the expansions before. “The place then resembled a forest. While working for the port, many got bitten by snakes here. Yet, we worked for its development. In return, we were paid only a meager amount and were not given hikes,” said Kanchana, who now works as a casual labourer.
General manager of KPL, P. Radhakrishnan tried his luck to dilute the situation as he said, “I understand your plight as my father is a farmer. I will take measures to provide education and employment to locals.”
After listening to the allegations, Tiruvallur collector E. Sundaravalli promised to create opportunities. “The port has to answer the violations. Objections from the public along with the port’s version were recorded and will be sent to the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEF&CC),” she told DC.
