Beneath Chennai’s bustling Marina Beach lies a brewing storm. Fishermen across 12 coastal villages plan a symbolic human chain on February 2, targeting the Blue Flag project’s sprawl and a rope car venture. From Ayodhya Kuppam to Srinivasapuram, the call is unified: protect our seas and shores.
What began as beautification dreams now spells disaster for traditional lives. Nets once dried freely; boats docked without hindrance. Now, expansions nibble away at every inch. ‘We’ve conceded before – vacated for Phase 1, fought to remove fences,’ shares Selvaraj. Pollution compounds woes, with catamarans and boats fighting for space.
Vendors echo the pain. Marina’s evening economy sustains thousands, yet plans slash shops to 300. ‘It’s life or death without options,’ says one. Leader K. Bharati exposes ironies: ‘No sheds for our nets, but plenty for tourist toilets and ropeways.’
This movement seeks equity, not obstruction. Dialogue tops demands – negotiate before bulldozers roll. Uneven policies erode trust, as municipal builds dot the sands fishermen call home.
Chennai’s tourism push collides with cultural roots. February 2 could redefine coastal futures: inclusive growth or forced exile? The human chain stands as both plea and warning.