The State’s 1,076-km-long coastline stands as a monument to the Tsunami of 2004. Each and every inhabitant of the 608 fishing villages was affected with many like those in Nagapattinam witnessing loss of life. But even after 20 years, the scars still remain.
Fishermen say that though aid flowed in the form of boats, nets and homes from NGOs and the government, over the years their rights have been curtailed, and lands were slowly being occupied in the name of development.
Community leader M. D. Dayalan from Kasimedu, says that what has happened over the last 20 years is a slow tsunami. “The monstrous waves that day just destroyed homes, killed people, threw aside boats and destroyed lives in one stroke. However, what is happening now in the name of development is unacceptable.”
“On one side the fish catch has gone down, leading to traditional fishermen suffering and on the other, the younger generation is desperately trying to find jobs in non-fishing areas, but only a few succeed. Our views are hardly considered. Projects like desalination plants, construction of resorts, entertainment parks, and coal-fired power stations only take away traditional lands so far held by fishermen,” he pointed out.
Another community leader K. Bharathi from Nochikuppam said that it has been a long and arduous battle to retain their rights to fish and land boats on the Marina beach. “It would have been better if the tsunami had taken us too with it. We wouldn’t be here to see this day when our very existence is being questioned. The government wants to take over the Marina Loop Road and the sands beyond that to make a blue flag beach,” he said.
“What the Marina really needs is a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the tsunami. It should be a reminder of what nature’s power is and should also tell the story of what happened on that day for the future generations,” he said.
Members of the fishing community have been fighting for homes post the tsunami. At Nettukuppam in Ennore, homes constructed as replacement for those who lost their homes in the tsunami have been swallowed by the sea but since the constructions were not insured against erosion, the families remain homeless.
“These families have been traumatised enough for a lifetime. They have lost their homes twice to the sea and nothing has been done by the government. Only about 25% of the promised homes were constructed by the government,” said Joseph, a resident.
At Nochikuppam, fishermen have been continuously waging a battle for houses constructed as part of the rehabilitation project. Kabaddi Maran, a resident said that houses were allotted to people from other areas.
Published – December 26, 2024 01:34 am IST
