Fishermen protest against proposal to set up thermal plant

Hundreds of fishermen of 12 hamlets staged a demonstration at nearby Tarangambadi, opposing a private company’s proposal to set up thermal power plant in the coastal area in three villages in that area.

The company has proposed to set up a thermal power plant at an investment of over Rs 8000 crore in three coastal villages of Kaliappanallur, Ananthamangalam and Manickapangu.

The fishermen, who staged the demonstration yesterday, alleged that serious environmental damage would be caused to the coastal area if the plant was allowed to come up.

While coal waste would cause land pollution, disposal of waste water into the sea would result in severe water pollution. Both farmers and fishermen of this area would lose their livelihood, besides posing health hazards, they said.

Urging the Tamil Nadu Government not to allow the plant to be set up in this locality, the fishermen suggested that the company be offered an alternative location.

Traders at Tarangambadi observed a hartal in the town in support of the fishermen.

Meanwhile, fishermen of Vellapallam village near Vedaranyam continued their strike for the sixth consecutive day, seeking compensation for 11 fishermen injured in an attack allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy on July 7.

They have also demanded a government job for the next of kin of the fisherman killed in the attack.

They have announced that they would continue the strike strike till July 18.