Pulicat fishermen demand long-term solution as silt threatens lake, livelihoods

Fishermen depending on the Pulicat lake in neighbouring Tiruvallur district are a vexed lot.

With the estuary blocked with sand, they are unable to take up fishing activities. Without sea water entering or exiting the lake, they say its entire ecosystem is taking a beating and, on most days, they don’t go fishing as they can’t net anything in the slush.

Jalandran Chettiyar, a community leader who hails from Arangamkuppam village, now solely depends on the sea for fish. He said that those dependent on the lake don’t get any fish. “There were days when we fished in the lake during the monsoon when the seas were rough. But all that has stopped. They are already finding it extremely difficult to survive on whatever they get. We don’t want to rob them of even that. The two retaining walls constructed by the government to keep the estuary open throughout the year are of no use for us now since sand has piled up there. We can walk in that area like it is a beach,” he said.

Raju Chettiyar, a community leader of Sambasu Palli Kuppam, said that since fishing has become impossible near the silted-up estuary, fishermen were either taking other jobs or struggle due to the meagre catch.

“Our forefathers were dependent on these waters. Fishermen from Andhra Pradesh used to come here and fish since the waters were deeper and there used to be more fish. However, we are seeing that the lake is in a pathetic state and don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he lamented.

Durai Mahendran of Tiruvallur Maavatta Paarambariya Aikiya Meenavar Sangam said that despite several requests, the lake is yet to be desilted. “If it silts up, it will be the end of a large waterbody that supported thousands and will be sold off as real estate. Already many residential areas and industries have come up around the lake – many of these are without permissions. A permanent solution is needed to save the lake. A fresh study involving all stakeholders must be taken up,” he said.

Pulicat is the second largest brackish water lagoon in the country and around 80% of the wetland that is also home to flamingoes, is in Andhra Pradesh.

Around 22,000 fishermen from villages including Annamalaicheri, Korakuppam, Pasiyavaram, Thoniravu, Madhakuppam, Andikuppam and Kottakuppam depend on the waters.