Ennore fisherfolk protest after 4-6 tonnes of fish die in Kosasthalaiyar River

Fisherfolk from eight villages along the Kosasthalaiyar River near the Ennore estuary in Chennai protested on Sunday after an estimated four to six tonnes of fish, prawns and crabs were found dead, floating and washed ashore. Species including mullet, catfish, anchovy, and carp were among those killed. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and the fisheries department collected water and fish samples for analysis. TNPCB chairman Anurag Mishra said there were no visible signs of an oil spill or industrial effluent discharge, adding that the cause would be known in a day or two.

The Hindu reports that fisherfolk allege chemical effluents from nearby industries caused the kill and have demanded compensation equivalent to one year’s livelihood, a detailed report on the toxic discharge, and permanent jobs in local industries and power plants. The New Indian Express adds that more than 8,000 families depend on fishing in the area. Fishermen recalled the 2023 CPCL oil leak, after which fish populations took over a year to recover. An NGO study reported water temperatures above 40°C near an NTECL power plant discharge point, which the campaign says can stress fish and reduce oxygen.

The protest ended after local MLAs T. Arunkumar and N Senthil Kumar assured the protesters that samples would be tested and jobs would be provided to eligible community members.