Chennai, May 11
Fisherfolk associations in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district are stepping up their protest against the Centre’s proposed hydrocarbon exploration project in the Kanyakumari sea.
A crucial meeting is being held on Sunday in Kanyakumari, where fishermen federations, coastal village representatives, and leaders from neighbouring Kerala are expected to finalise their stance and future course of action.
A. Dunston, Director of the Coastal Peace and Development (CPD), said the meeting will involve several stakeholders and will focus on mobilising collective opposition to the project.
“We are uniting federations and associations from across the region to send a clear message that this project threatens our lives and livelihood,†he said.
The proposed hydrocarbon project stems from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’s (MOPNG) 2023 Notice Inviting Offers under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
The offer pertains to oil and gas exploration in three offshore blocks south of Cape Comorin, spanning nearly 27,154.80 square kilometres.
Environmental activists and local leaders warn that the project will have devastating consequences, particularly for the Wadge Bank, a biologically rich and ecologically sensitive marine zone located near Cape Comorin.
S.P. Udayakumar, coordinator of Pachai Tamizhagam, cautioned that any disturbance in the Wadge Bank would impact the marine biodiversity and irreversibly damage the traditional fishing economy.
“This is not just about fishers in Kanyakumari. The ecological damage will affect communities across Tamil Nadu and Kerala,†he said.
C. Berlin, district secretary of Neithal Makkal Iyakkam, echoed similar concerns, stating that the plan would turn the sea into a “marine desert.†He called for the immediate withdrawal of the project to protect the ocean ecosystem.
Captain C. Johnson, secretary of the Colachel Mechanised Fishers Welfare Association, said fishers will be denied access to crucial fishing zones if the project moves ahead. “This is a direct threat to our survival,†he added.
The community has vowed to continue its agitation until the project is scrapped.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is deeply concerning! Our fishermen communities have sustained themselves for generations through these waters. The government must prioritize livelihoods over corporate interests. Wadge Bank is an ecological treasure that cannot be replaced. #SaveOurSeas
While energy security is important, destroying marine ecosystems is not the solution. There are alternative renewable energy sources we should explore instead of risking our fishermen's livelihoods. Kerala and TN must stand united on this issue.
The government should conduct proper environmental impact studies before pushing such projects. Fishermen are the first environmentalists - they know the sea better than anyone. Their voices must be heard! 🎣
As someone from coastal TN, I've seen how these projects affect communities. First it's fishing, then tourism suffers, then entire coastal economies collapse. Why can't we learn from past mistakes? The sea is not just water - it's life for millions.
I support development, but not at this cost. The government must find a balance between energy needs and environmental protection. Maybe they should consider smaller, carefully monitored projects instead of massive exploration blocks.
The Wadge Bank is like the Amazon of the sea! So many marine species depend on it. Once destroyed, we can never get it back. Our children deserve to see these natural wonders too. 🌊🬠#ProtectWadgeBank
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