Fishermen leaders from Nochikuppam are set to meet the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner, J. Kumaragurubaran, today (Thursday) to demand the withdrawal of the Blue Flag certification for Marina Beach. They argue that the ongoing redevelopment plans, including the certification, would harm their livelihoods and seek the establishment of roadside shelters for fish vendors whose sales have plummeted since being relocated to a new market.
The fisherfolk are also calling for the area from Nochikuppam to Srinivasapuram to be declared a Fisheries Conservation Zone. They fear that the Marina Beach transformation into a tourist destination, which includes the Blue Flag certification, will affect more than 200 families in Nochikuppam. S. Ethiraj, a local fisherman, said, “If the Blue Flag certification and related works continue, it will directly impact our community. We will decide on further protests based on the outcome of the meeting with the Commissioner.”
The fisherfolk are also protesting against the relocation to a new fish market, claiming that the market is poorly constructed and has led to a decline in their sales. They are demanding small shops along the area to support their livelihoods and oppose further redevelopment projects that they believe will marginalize their community.
The Blue Flag certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental standards but has often led to the displacement of local communities. The fishermen have warned of a road blockade if their concerns are not addressed by the state government.
