Fishermen oppose key area exclusions from CZMP draft

Fishermen are worried about some key fishing areas being left out of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) draft. These areas stretch from Ennore to Kalanji. They have asked the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNCZMA) to include these spots to protect their traditional fishing practices. The CZMP, first released in 2018, faced criticism from fishermen for omitting important fishing zones. After protests and an order from the National Green Tribunal, the maps were revised. Recently, Supriya Sahu, an official from the Department of Environment, instructed the TNCZMA to hold meetings with fishermen before finalizing the plan. During a meeting on March 5, fishermen in Ennore saw the updated maps. They noticed that key fishing areas in Kattukuppam and Mugathwarakuppam were still missing. R.L. Srinivasan, a representative from Kattukuppam, wrote to the TNCZMA Director about this issue. He pointed out that the exclusion of these areas, especially estuarine zones, is concerning for local fishermen. Srinivasan expressed sadness over losing traditional fishing grounds that are essential for communities in Kattukuppam, Mugathwarakuppam, and nearby villages. Fisherfolk fear that omitting these areas might allow for the expansion of Adani Port in Kalanji village. They are asking for their important fishing grounds to be included in the CZMP according to the guidelines set in 2019.