Sat Aug 30 19:10:07 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided content, followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

This is a news report from The Hindu, published on August 31, 2025, in Chennai. The article details the concerns of fishermen from 26 villages regarding a proposed Blue Flag beach development project by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). The fishermen fear the project will negatively impact their livelihoods, restrict traditional fishing practices (like using large nets and drying fish), and contribute to coastal erosion. They feel they haven’t been consulted about these projects and are demanding that the coast be declared a protected area with long-term housing plans for fishing villages. They also point out the lack of safe storage for nets and boats during cyclones, highlighting the vulnerability of the fishing community.

**News Article:**

**Chennai Fishermen Protest Blue Flag Beach Development, Fear Loss of Livelihood**

**CHENNAI, INDIA – August 31, 2025 –** Representatives from 26 fishing villages along the Chennai coast have voiced strong opposition to the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) plan to develop Blue Flag beaches at five locations. At a meeting held in Thiruvanmiyur Kuppam on Saturday evening, fishermen expressed concerns that the project will severely impact their traditional fishing practices and livelihoods.

The fishermen, organized under the Then Chennai Panchayathu Kootamaippu and the Meenava Makkal Vaazhvu Urimai Paadhukappu Oringinaippu Kuzhu, fear that the Blue Flag designation will restrict their ability to use large nets and dry fish in open areas, practices that are essential to their way of life.

“Projects like the Blue Flag beach will only lead to a loss of livelihood,” said Karunakaran of Thiruvanmiyur Kuppam. He also criticized a proposed elevated corridor by the Highways Department, citing further encroachment on their traditional spaces.

Community leader N. Rathinavel emphasized the potential for increased coastal erosion due to ongoing development plans. “We want the entire coast to be declared a protected area. Unnecessary construction should not be taken up here,” he stated. He also called for long-term housing solutions for fishing communities, highlighting concerns about the future for generations who continue to fish.

K. Bharathi, another community leader, lamented the lack of consultation with the fishing community, despite their significant stake in coastal development. He also pointed to the lack of adequate storage facilities for nets and boats during cyclones, forcing fishermen to store equipment on roads within the Coastal Regulation Zone 1A, areas designated as ecologically sensitive.

The fishermen are calling for greater consideration of their needs and a halt to projects that threaten their livelihoods and the delicate coastal ecosystem.

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