Ennore fisherfolk protest mass fish kill in Kosasthalaiyar River

Fisherfolk from approximately eight villages near the Ennore estuary have launched protests and road blockades following a massive fish kill in the Kosasthalaiyar River. An estimated four to six tonnes of aquatic life, including various fish species, prawns, and crabs, were found dead along the riverbanks and floating in the water.

Local residents and fishing communities suspect the die-off was caused by the discharge of chemical waste from nearby industries. They have demanded that the government identify the cause, hold responsible parties accountable, and provide compensation and alternative employment. The incident has caused significant concern for over 8,000 families who depend on the area for their livelihoods.

While officials stated the exact cause of the deaths has yet to be established, the region has a history of environmental concerns. The Ennore estuary and Kosasthalaiyar River have previously been impacted by industrial effluents, sewage, thermal discharges, and fly ash from surrounding power plants and industries.