Fisherfolk across Chennai and nearby districts staged a symbolic protest against the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to build a new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam. Black flags were hoisted on fishing boats and at homes, signalling opposition to the project.
The state government has announced that a new Secretariat will be constructed at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore, citing space constraints at the existing Secretariat in Chennai. A government order has also been issued for the project.
As part of the process to change the land-use classification for the proposed site, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has issued a public notice seeking views from local residents.
Fisherfolk have argued that the project could affect their livelihoods and may create a situation where residents are forced to vacate their homes. In response, an advisory meeting of representatives from fishing villages—from Ennore Nettukuppam to ECR Nainar Kuppam—was held at Pattinapakkam, with more than 300 office-bearers participating.
The meeting adopted resolutions demanding withdrawal of the government order, immediate registration of land allotted in 1956–57 at Mullikuppam and Mullimanagar as fisher residential areas, and declaration of the beach as a “fishing livelihood protection zone” to safeguard livelihood rights and fish sales along Loop Road. Representatives said the protest would be intensified if the demands are not accepted.
