Shipbuilding yard threatens livelihood, says salt producers, labourers, fishermen and traders in petition

Salt producers, salt pan labourers, fishermen, and traders from the Mullakadu and Athimarapatti area submitted a petition at the district collectorate, opposing the land acquisition for a shipbuilding yard along the Mullakadu coast in Thoothukudi.

The petition was submitted at the weekly grievance redress meeting chaired by the Thoothukudi Collector K. Elambahavath on Monday.

The petition, opposing the land acquisition, said that around 15,000 workers depend on nearly 3,000 acres of salt pans spread across Muthiahpuram, Athimarapatti, M. Saveraiarpuram and Palayakayal. Additionally about 100 families depend on fishing for their livelihood, while traders in the region also rely on the salt pan workers and fishermen.

However, currently efforts are being made to set up a 3,000 acre shipbuilding yard in partnership with a South Korean company. The petition added that the establishment of the facility at the chosen area would severely affect their livelihood.

The petitioners urge that the project to establish a ship building yard in the area should be revoked and attempts to acquire lands used for traditional occupations should be stopped.

In a separate petition, Thoothukudi South AIADMK Deputy Secretary A. Santhanam highlighted the public health issue in ward 15 of Thoothukudi Corporation.

The petition stated that the large number of reeds brought in by rainwater have taken root and grown in the locality. The matured stalks burst open, releasing seeds in air and spreading into houses. This has been causing severe allergic reactions and respiratory problems for residents in the area.

Despite repeated complaints to the municipal corporation, no action has been taken so far. The petition urged the district collector to conduct a field inspection and initiate measures to resolve the issue.