Nambiyar Nagar residents lay siege to Nagapattinam Collectorate over basic amenities

More than 500 residents of Nambiyar Nagar fishing village laid siege to the Nagapattinam Collectorate on Friday demanding basic amenities, bringing traffic around the office to a halt for hours.

Residents of the area said they had long sought proper roads, drainage, drinking water supply, street lights and house site pattas. They wanted the access to the newly built community hall and cyclone shelter opened as the keys are with the municipality, and diesel and ice plants at the Nambiyar Nagar fishing harbour.

“Water comes only once in seven to ten days, and even that is often muddy,” said resident M. Velayutham, speaking to The Hindu and added that the street lights and electricity lines in New Nambiyar Nagar were dysfunctional. “Our village still lacks drinking water, good roads and proper street lighting,” said another resident, D. Selvarani, who also pointed to the cramped library building and the lack of a proper space for women’s self-help groups.

The protest began around 9 a.m. in front of the Collectorate, where police erected barricades and closed the main gate; revenue officials later held talks with the protesters, but residents insisted that the Collector give a categorical assurance. A delegation was taken inside for discussions; protesters later claimed the Collector had refused to meet the larger group and launched a road blockade, disrupting traffic and forcing vehicles to take a detour.

As police warned of arrests and brought in vehicles, heated arguments broke out and slogans were raised against the district administration and ruling party functionaries. Former AIADMK Minister O.S. Manian, TVK district secretary Sugumar and BJP cadre visited the spot to express support.

The agitation was withdrawn around 2.30 p.m. Later, in the evening the District Collector assured to initiate action to address their grievances.