Hundreds of men and women belonging to 14 fishing hamlets from Light House to Kottivakkam in the city on Saturday formed a human chain demanding that the State government drop its proposal to construct an elevated expressway along the Chennai coast.
“Consider alternatives”
The fisherfolk who came together under the banner of Meenavar Vaazhvurimai Paadhukaappu Kuzhu, at the Elliots Beach, said the government should consider alternatives to ensure smooth flow of traffic, including widening of roads.
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Affect livelihood
The elevated expressway would only affect their livelihood, displace those living along the coastline and affect ecology.
They also opposed the pre-draft on Coastal Regulation Zone – 2010, which they said would considerably water down the original regulation.
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The fisherfolk demanded that the proposed legislation on rights of traditional fishermen be based on the CRZ.
Members of Save Chennai Beaches too participated in the protest.