In Tamil Nadu’s coastal villages of Kalanji and Kattupalli, a powerful story of environmental activism has emerged, as local fishermen and environmental groups have managed to halt a multi-crore power project. Proposed by the Chennai Power Generation Limited (CPGL), a subsidiary of General Mediterranean Holding, the Rs 7,700 crore, 900 MW Regassified Liquified Natural Gas (RLNG) power plant faced a major obstacle: the resolute opposition from the fishing communities who rely on this fragile ecosystem.
The Power Project That Threatened Livelihoods
The proposed RLNG-based power plant was slated for construction near the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, an ecologically sensitive area vital to both marine biodiversity and the local fishing economy. Fishermen from the villages of Kattupalli Kuppam and members of the Tamil Nadu Fishermen Association quickly recognized the potential damage such a project could bring, not only to the environment but also to their very means of survival. In a strong act of resistance, these communities petitioned the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, highlighting discrepancies and inaccuracies in CPGL’s application to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
The Fishermen’s Petition: Standing Up for the Environment
Fishermen submitted their concerns to the EAC, effectively freezing the progress of the power project. They pointed out that the project site’s proximity to critical landmarks was inaccurately reported by CPGL, leading to what they described as an intentional misrepresentation. According to CPGL’s documents, the Kosasthalaiyar River was noted as being 115 meters from the project site, while the fishermen documented the actual distance as only 60 meters—an alarming discrepancy that brought potential environmental risks into sharp focus. Additionally, CPGL’s claims that no wildlife sanctuaries or ecologically sensitive zones existed within 10 km of the site were contradicted by evidence showing the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary boundary was only 7 km away.
Local Knowledge vs. Corporate Claims
The fishermen’s petition further highlighted other overlooked community assets, such as a local school just 20 meters from the proposed site and the nearby Kalanji and Kattupalli Kuppam villages, which CPGL failed to acknowledge in its reports. For the fishermen, these places represent not just geographical points but community hubs integral to their way of life. Their petition detailed how the project would infringe upon these critical spaces, placing undue risk on both natural and human resources in the region.
Environmental and Historical Concerns
Alongside the fishermen, environmentalists have raised alarms, emphasizing that the power plant would damage the dense coastal forests and sand dunes that are crucial to the region’s ecology. This region isn’t just a natural sanctuary but also a historical site, with landmarks like the Dutch cemetery—a protected archaeological monument only 7 km away from the project site—also at risk from industrial encroachment. In light of these findings, the EAC has deferred the project, instructing CPGL to provide comprehensive explanations and supporting documentation for each disputed claim.
The Fishermen’s Fight for Environmental Justice
This ongoing struggle highlights the fishermen’s resolve to protect their ecosystem from industrial overreach. Their petition to the government brought much-needed attention to the gaps in corporate accountability when it comes to environmental stewardship. By halting the project, these communities demonstrated the power of grassroots activism in safeguarding natural resources and cultural heritage.
What Lies Ahead: Balancing Development with Sustainability
The future of this power project is now uncertain. As the EAC awaits further information and directs its sub-committee to conduct site visits, the spotlight remains on the fishermen’s community as defenders of Tamil Nadu’s coastal environment. Their actions underscore the need for development projects to be thoroughly vetted, ensuring they respect and preserve the environment upon which so many lives depend.
The fishermen’s story is a powerful example of environmental justice in action—a testament to the vital role that local communities play in protecting our world’s natural and cultural heritage from corporate expansion.
Eco System
Environmental
Natural Gas
CPGL
Chenai Power Generation Ltd
Tamil Nadu
