Loss of livelihood for fishermen, rising salinity, blocking of stormwater draining channels that raise the risk of flooding of Chennai and its surrounding areas — on World Environment Day, the Ennore Creek continues to be an environmental challenge to the city.
“Prawns and crabs that used to be available in plenty have started vanishing. They couldn’t survive the hazardous chemicals from the fly ash from the power plants,” R.L. Srinivasan, president, Cooperative Society-Fisheries, Ennore, said. Mr. Srinivasan said over 90% of fishermen who used to thrive and make a living out of inland fishing were affected the most by the fly ash dumped into the riverbed.
Two weeks ago, the National Green Tribunal ordered the formation of yet another committee of experts from the TNPCB, the Central Pollution Control Board, and IIT- Madras to undertake a study and provide an update on the containment of fly ash dumping into the riverbed and the progress of a clean-up ordered last year.
A senior Tangedco official denied allegations of fly ash dumping into the creek. The only instance when fly ash was seen dumped in the creek was a few years ago due to a leakage in the pipeline, he said. “The leak was arrested and steps were taken to replace the damaged pipeline.” “In fact, we are disposing off flyash through sale to industrial units and earning good income. Earnings this year has increased compared to previous years through a new auction mechanism,” he said.
But Mr. Srinivasan and environmental activists claim otherwise. “The leaks are still continuing from the pipes. Most pipes are old, and even if they replace them, the flyash leaks after sometime,” he said. Durai Mahendran of the Tamil Nadu Fishermen’s Association from Pulicat said while the quantum of fly ash being dumped had come down, the leaks from the pipelines continues. “If you bring industrial activity to an area that has traditionally been doing something and depending on and taking care of the environment around them, and you pollute the area, you are not only destroying their livelihoods, but are destroying generations’ traditions. What’s the point of bringing industries to populated areas and destroying the environment when you can set up industries well away from habitation?” said Mr. Mahendran.
Significance of the creek
Pooja Kumar of the Coastal Resource Centre said, “The carrying capacity of the river has reduced and it cannot perform its complete draining action, which means many areas will remain waterlogged for a longer time during the monsoon.”
Environmental activist Nithyanand Jayaraman said the Ennore creek was a tidal wetland with salt marshes, and could absorb heavy rains and storm surges. “Chennai is likely to be affected by both, and by periods of drought. Tidal wetlands are important in maintaining a balance between all three. It also provides a salinity gradient,” he said.
“Our most precious groundwater resource is the Araniyar-Kosasthalaiyar basin. We are currently taking water from it and it is turning salty due to the amount of abuse it faces,” he said.
Published - June 05, 2019 01:22 am IST
