Yellow chemical covers waters of Ennore Creek; fishermen want government to step in

At least once a month, fishermen of Ennore abstain from fishing in the creek as it turns an unhealthy yellow due to some chemical being discharged into the waters. “The estuary remains inaccessible for over a week due to a strong stench. The fish from the sea do not enter the waters. While some die, others swim away, leaving us with no catch,” said R. L. Srinivasan, a fisherman of Kattupakkam in Ennore.  

The fishermen say they are not sure of the source of the chemical. Some say it could be a discharge from a neighbouring industry or a truck letting out the chemical upstream. “We tried tracking it but failed. Some people say that tankers discharge it at night near Sadayankuppam. We are not able to take photos or videos to show proof. We know that it comes from the Manali side. Those who let it out know that sewage from the city also comes to the creek and think people won’t know about the chemical,” says Kalaivanan, a fisherman.

Jacob, a fisherman of Nettukuppam says that fishermen from Nettukuppam, Thalangkuppam, Mugadawarakuppam, Ennorekuppam, Sivanpadai Veedhikuppam, Kattukuppam and some six other smaller villages depend on the estuary.

“There are over 1500 boats with engines and 2,000 FRP catamarans that have been hit by the yellow discharge. We have been seeing this happening for over three years now. Even two days ago, the water turned yellow. The tides bring fresh water inside and dilute the chemical making the water pristine again.” 

Fishermen say that complaints to the police and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board have had no effect. “We don’t know if a report was made after samples were lifted by the Board. We want the District Collector and the government to step in and stop this discharge,” they demand.