Ennore Fishermen Raise Concerns Over River Blockage as CPRR Construction Debris Alters Water Flow

As work on the ambitious Chennai Peripheral Ring Road continues to gain momentum, concerns from the coastal community of Ennore have brought a new dimension to the project. Fishermen from several villages along the Kosasthalaiyar River allege that construction debris from the newly built bridge has disrupted the river’s natural flow, placing both their livelihood and the local ecosystem at risk.

Villages such as Kattukuppam, Mugathuvarakuppam and Sivan Padai Kuppam depend heavily on a traditional fishing zone known as Velamaram Paadu. According to the fisherfolk, temporary earthen bunds and large quantities of dumped soil were placed inside the river to support the bridge work. While the bridge structure is complete, the debris reportedly remains, significantly narrowing the channel.

Fisherman K. Murugeshan recalls that the dumping began in January despite vocal opposition from the community. After sustained protests, they managed to halt the dumping temporarily, but the damage had already impacted the river’s width. This narrowing has altered the flow pattern, increasing water velocity and making routine fishing activities dangerous for small boats.

Fisherman-activist Retnakumar notes that several mishaps have already occurred due to the intensified water current, which he describes as a direct threat to the safety of the fishermen. Activists also claim that the Highways Department violated conditions laid down by the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority, which mandates that no activity should obstruct natural water flow or harm fishing livelihoods.

Responding to these concerns, the Environment Department has instructed the Tiruvallur district administration to inspect the site and take appropriate action. The disputed bridge forms part of a 2.8-kilometre link road that connects the Northern Port Access Road with the Tiruvottiyur-Ponneri-Panchetti Road, a crucial component of Chennai’s freight connectivity plan.

While infrastructure development remains critical for economic growth, the Ennore fishing community emphasizes that such progress must not jeopardize ecological balance or the heritage of coastal livelihoods sustained for generations.