Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) Representatives from 16 fishing villages located in Chengalpattu district, ranging from Kanathur Reddikuppam to Kokkilimedu, are vocally opposing the proposed Kovalam-Mahabalipuram reservoir project. They warn that it threatens to dismantle traditional fishing livelihoods, harm delicate coastal wetlands, and violate essential aspects of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) framework.

During a recent consultation meeting held at the Thiruporur Block Development Office, members of this fishing community presented a formal appeal to T.M. Anbarasan, the Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation for the reservoir on January 19, which is intended to serve as Chennai’s sixth drinking water source.

The fishermen argue that this project will dismantle “paadu rights”—traditional fishing grounds utilized by generations of local fishers—and will irreparably alter the ecological integrity of brackish backwaters, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands.

The community has raised questions about the legal legitimacy of the CRZ clearance granted by the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority on December 3, 2025. They allege that active fishing areas and communal living spaces were improperly classified as “vacant land” to obtain approval.

Moreover, the fishermen contend that the project did not adequately map and document traditional fishing zones, as mandated by the CRZ Notification of 2019.

“The CRZ framework was established to protect coastal ecosystems and uphold fisher livelihoods. As it stands, this project eradicates our fishing grounds and mischaracterizes living ecosystems as empty land,” stated the representatives.

A significant concern highlighted was the planned diversion of the Buckingham Canal. The fishing villages caution that modifying the canal may disrupt monsoon drainage, exacerbate flooding in low-lying areas, and sever the natural hydrological connection between backwaters and the sea.

This disruption could potentially lead to the collapse of salt marshes and brackish ecosystems that are vital for local fisheries.

The repercussions of this project could also affect indigenous Irular communities residing in the area. The drinking water reservoir, announced in the 2025-26 State Budget, is planned to span approximately 4,300 acres of coastal wetlands between the East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road.

The Water Resources Department asserts that this project will enhance the drinking water supply to southern Chennai and assist in flood control in peri-urban regions.

Officials from the WRD argue that the natural topography of the site makes it the only viable option for large-scale water storage in the sub-basin. Despite the opposition, CM Stalin has proceeded with laying the foundation stone for the project.