Fishers resist heritage park fearing threat to livelihood

Semmencherry residents say the site has three drinking water wells

- NIMISHA S PRADEEP

AS the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited (TTDC) awaits CRZ approval for the Nandhavanam Heritage Park in Thiruvidanthai, fishermen from the nearby Semmencherry Kuppam have opposed the project fearing threat to their livelihood.

Around 50 fishermen from Semmencherry Kuppam submitted a petition to the assistant director of fisheries department and fishermen welfare in Neelankarai on Friday.

The 300-odd fishermen families in the area fear losing access to their traditional fishing areas such as Ellai Kal Paadu, Oadai Paadu, Sonavan Kal Madhu Paadu, Vazhinadai Paadu, Pava Paadu, Navasedi Kal Paadu and Mukkoadai Paadu. There are designated fishing grounds (Paadu) for undertaking different kinds of fishing.