A major breakthrough was achieved by various stakeholders of the Ennore Manali Road Improvement Project (EMRIP) on Tuesday, when fisherfolk agreed to co-operate with all agencies to complete the road widening project on time.
A dispute had arisen recently, over the plan to lay a road in the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour area.
The crucial meeting was held at the Collector’s office, and included Additional Commissioner of Police P. Thamaraikannan, representatives of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Tamil Nadu Road Development Company, Chennai Port Trust (ChPT) and fisherfolk.
During the three-hour meeting, the fisherfolk said their livelihood would be affected if a substantial portion of their land was taken for the proposed project. They sought an alternative area immediately.
Perturbed on being called ‘encroachers’ by ChPT officials, the fisherfolk came forward to return the allotment letters of fish stalls that had been issued to them recently. They also sought dredging of the auction platform, reclamation of land and basic amenities.
“We are not blocking the project. We are asking them to tell us exactly what land would be required for this project and how much would be spared. We want to know whether the new road is at the same level or is it a flyover and the details about the passageway, vehicular subway and service lane and its connectivity to the existing site,” said a representative of the Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association.
At the end of the meeting it was decided by NHAI and ChPT to conduct a survey on Wednesday at the spot, to explain to the fishermen about the space needed for the road.
A ChPT official said most of their demands seemed reasonable. Another official said they would take necessary steps towards reclamation of land and dredging.
Collector Jayandhi described the meeting as fruitful and said the next round of discussions with the stakeholders would be held soon after earmarking of the site for the project.
A TNRDC official said, “Most of the problems arose due to miscommunication. This problem would not have cropped up if someone had taken the time to explain the project to those affected by it. Our next move is to convince those residing in NTO Kuppam and Cherian Nagar.”
