The fishermen's opposition comes after the government proposed the construction of a new Assembly and Secretariat complex in the area.
Fishermen’s fight against new Secretariat proposal moves from streets to court
The fishermen community in Chennai says the Pattinapakkam project risks displacing a way of life built around the Loop Road and access to the sea
Fishing families along Chennai's coast have stepped up their opposition to the state government's proposed Assembly and Secretariat complex in Pattinapakkam, staging a black flag march along the Loop Road.
Residents and fishermen from ten villages stretching from Nochikuppam to Srinivasapuram and Mullikuppam took part in the protest, demanding that the project be cancelled and the land handed over to the fishing community.
For the families living along this stretch, the dispute is about more than a piece of land. They say the Loop Road, access to the sea and the surrounding fishing villages are central to their homes and livelihoods.
Land dispute
The fishermen's opposition comes after the government proposed the construction of a new Assembly and Secretariat complex in the area. The community says the project would put their traditional way of life at risk.
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In an earlier ground report by The Federal, the fishermen had said that the proposed Secretariat would effectively come up over what they described as the graveyard of more than 1,000 families.
They say the Loop Road and access to the sea are vital for fishing-related activities and daily life, and fear that a project of this scale could disrupt both.
Legal battle
The dispute has now moved beyond the streets, with a case filed in court challenging the government's order for the project.
Protesters have also alleged that pressure is mounting on those opposing the proposal. They claim they are being threatened with fresh cases if they continue their protests.
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They further allege that cases already filed against them could be reopened, adding another layer to the dispute between the fishing community and the government.
Fishermen hold ground
The protest comes as by-elections are underway in Tamil Nadu, while the fishermen say frustration among the people is growing.
With the legal challenge pending and the government yet to intervene, the fishing families say they will continue their opposition until the order is withdrawn and the land is returned to them.