Fri Apr 04 13:15:23 UTC 2025: ## Thoothukudi Fishermen Demand Protected Fishing Zones, Raise Environmental Concerns
**Thoothukudi, April 4, 2025** – Fishermen in Thoothukudi district have urged the government to designate their fishing grounds as Protected Fishing Zones, highlighting several pressing concerns at a grievance redressal meeting on Friday. The meeting, presided over by District Collector K. Ellambahavath, saw fishermen raise a range of issues.
Key demands included the issuance of land ownership documents (patta) for residents of a tsunami colony, the repair of a damaged groyne in Vembar, and the installation of high-mast lights at Threspuram’s Mutharaiyar Nagar beach to improve night fishing safety.
Fishermen strongly opposed the Sagarmala project, demanding its withdrawal, and expressed serious concern over sea pollution caused by coal ash discharged from thermal power plants. They also called for the dredging of the Pazhayakayal estuary, which has silted up, hindering boat access. Furthermore, they requested that Kerala fishing boats be prohibited from operating in Thoothukudi waters, particularly during fishing bans.
The conch divers’ association also sought inclusion in the fishermen’s cooperative society to provide financial support to families in case of diver fatalities.
Collector Ellambahavath assured the fishermen that action would be taken on several issues. He stated that pattas would be issued for the tsunami colony residents, the groyne in Vembar would be repaired, and investigations into the coal ash discharge would be conducted. He also confirmed that dredging of the Pazhayakayal estuary had begun and a proposal had been submitted to the state government.
First Piper 