THOOTHUKUDI: The debate over industrial development versus livelihood protection and environmental safety has intensified in Tamil Nadu's coastal district of Thoothukudi ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with the lingering Sterlite Copper Plant controversy continuing to cast a long shadow.
Home to the VO Chidambaranar Port, the district has seen steady industrial and trade growth over the years, driven largely by port-led infrastructure and logistics activities.
However, fishing communities, which form a significant part of the local population, have expressed serious apprehensions that unchecked expansion is threatening their traditional livelihoods and the marine ecosystem.
"Development linked to the port should not come at the cost of destroying traditional fishing. Industrial growth must happen while protecting fishermen's livelihoods," R Russell, Secretary of the Water Transport Workers' Federation of India, said.
According to local estimates, over two lakh fishing families in and around Thoothukudi depend on fishing and allied activities. Fishermen allege that dredging operations, coastal construction and industrial discharge have adversely affected marine ecosystems, leading to a marked decline in fish catch.
They have also pointed to visible environmental changes near Hare Island.
"Because of port expansion, the island is slowly disappearing, and marine habitats are being destroyed," Kebistian, a youth leader of fishermen, told PTI Videos.
Development linked to the port should not come at the cost of destroying traditional fishing-- R Russell, Secretary of the Water Transport Workers' Federation of India
The estuarine region at the confluence of the Thamirabarani river and the sea, once rich in mangroves and biodiversity, is also reported to be under severe ecological stress.
Concerns over pollution from thermal power plants and other coastal industries remain high.
"The waste coming from industries is poisoning the sea. Fish get contaminated and people consuming them are facing serious health issues," Thandavan, a fisherman leader, said.
The closure of the Sterlite Copper Plant in 2018 remains one of the most emotive and politically charged issues in the district. The plant, run by Vedanta Ltd, was shut down following massive protests against alleged environmental violations and pollution.
The protests turned violent on May 22-23, 2018, when police firing resulted in the death of 13 people and left over 100 injured. The Tamil Nadu government ordered the permanent closure of the plant days after the incident. The Supreme Court has since upheld the closure, emphasising the need to protect the health and welfare of residents.
Calling the episode a "lesson for the region", Russell said, "Sterlite showed what happens when environmental concerns are ignored. It also proved that claims about large-scale local employment were exaggerated."
Even years later, the issue continues to polarise opinions. While many in the fishing and local communities view the closure as a hard-won victory for environmental justice, some trade unions and industry groups have been campaigning for its reopening, citing loss of livelihoods and economic opportunities.
Fishermen groups have drawn parallels with pollution concerns from other industries as well.
"Twenty years ago, fish were abundant here. Now, due to pollution and waste dumping, fish availability has drastically reduced," Freddy, a local fisherman, said.
On the other hand, trade and industry stakeholders have underlined the importance of port-led development for the region's future.
"The port has a great future. With infrastructure expansion and new industries coming in, we see strong growth and increasing employment opportunities," P Jeyant Thomas, Secretary of Tuticorin Shipping Agency Services, said.
Industry representatives highlight rising cargo volumes and proposed projects such as the outer harbour as key to economic progress.
Port workers, however, have voiced concerns about growing corporatisation and the possibility of privatising major ports.
In Thoothukudi, where memories of the 2018 violence and the Sterlite shutdown still influence public discourse, the issue is likely to significantly shape voter sentiment in the run-up to the polls.