With huge waves battering the coast for the past few days, residents of several fishing hamlets including Tiruvottiyur Kuppam, Apparsami Koil and Kannikoil off the Ennore Expressway have urged the government to take immediate measures to save their villages.
With the northeast monsoon in full swing, huge waves have been battering their village for the past few days.
“The sea wall and groynes do not seem to be of any use to us this year. We are getting swamped by the seawater lashing over the wall, especially during high tide and at night. The force of the water is really scary and can wash off people if caught unawares,” said R. Mani, priest, Tiruvottiyur Kuppam.
The water has been flooding the streets of Pattinathar Koil and Tiruvottiyur Kuppam and entering homes. During high tide, buildings up to about 300 mts are being battered by the waves and residents have nowhere else to go.
“In this rain coupled with heavy winds, the seawater is adding to our woes. It has been a terrifying few days for us,” said Murugan, a fisherman.
‘Strengthen seawall’
“In some places groynes have been constructed, and in other places, the existing ones need to be redesigned like an arch and do not allow waves inside. The sea wall too has to be strengthened.
A fishing harbour can be constructed in these areas so that the boats of the fishermen are safeguarded,” explained M. D. Dayalan of Indian Fishermen Association.
Nanjil Ravi said after the port came up in Ennore, erosion of the coastline has increased in the villages that lie between that port and the Chennai Port.
“We are asking both Central and State governments to take immediate measures to save these villages. Already, about 2-3 km of the shoreline has been washed away after the Chennai port came up,” he pointed out.
