Ennore fisherfolk protest over mass fish kill in Kosasthalaiyar

Fisherfolk from the Ennore region staged a demonstration on Sunday after discovering large amounts of dead fish floating in the Kosasthalaiyar river near the estuary. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board collected water and fish samples for analysis. The incident, described as unprecedented, saw thousands of fish and other aquatic life, including various species like madavai, kizhangan, oodan, karuva, kelathi, prawns, and crabs, washing ashore.

Fisherfolk alleged that the fish deaths were likely due to chemical effluents discharged into the river and expressed concerns over the impact on their livelihoods. They demanded a detailed report on the effluent nature, identification of responsible industries, compensation for livelihood loss, and employment opportunities in local industries.

The issue has been ongoing due to pollution from industries and thermal power plants around the estuary, which include chemical effluents, sewage, coolant water, and fly ash. The MLA assured the fisherfolk that jobs would be provided to eligible community members.