Farmers, fishermen oppose Uppur thermal plant

The state had planned to set up two thermal power plants with a total power productivity of 1600 MW. The plant had been planned on 950 acres of land at Uppur and its neighbouring villages. 

The project has been receiving a stiff resistance from the public right from the start. As there was no response from officials, the people had decided to intensify their protest in the form of a hunger strike. 

Karunanidhi, a farmers’ representative, said that they registered their opposition for the project in the review meeting with the Collector but the officials were stubborn in setting up the plant. “Farmers representatives across the state, including PR Pandian and Ayyakannu, would also join their protests,” he added.

Madivanan, another farmer, said that if the power plant is set up, the farm lands three villages - Uppur, Valamavur and Thirupalaikudi, would be completely destroyed completely. 

Thangaraj, a fisherman, said that, “If the thermal plant is set up, fishing would be affected from Thondi to Devipattinam. More than 50,000 fishing families would be forced to relocate as the ash would be deposited at 7 nautical miles of the coast. The country boat fishermen would be left without any marine resources.” 

Already, there is a case against the thermal power project is in the High Court and the state government is continuing the project illegally, added Thangaraj.