Sunken idol debris tears fishing nets worth thousands, union tells Chennai collector

 The Tamil Nadu Fishermen Trade Union Federation has submitted a representation to the Chennai district collector, raising severe concerns over potential ecological damage and livelihood loss caused by the mass immersion of Vinayagar idols along the Kasimedu and Ennore coasts.

The federation, in its memorandum, highlighted that a recent National Green Tribunal (southern zone) ban on idol immersions at Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai beaches -- aimed at protecting turtle nesting sites and coastal ecosystems -- threatens to redirect thousands of idols directly to beaches in north Chennai.

Expressing anxiety over turning Kasimedu and Ennore into a dumping ground, the federation pointed out that thousands of idols coated in Plaster of Paris (PoP) and toxic chemical paints will severely pollute marine waters, damage coral reefs, and endanger marine species in an area already suffering from industrial effluent.

Beyond environmental degradation, the petition underscored the threat to the traditional fishing community. Sunken remains such as wooden frames, bamboo structures, and iron rods pose hazards to fishing vessels and tear nets worth thousands of rupees, while chemical toxicity depletes local fish stocks.

Requesting the Greater Chennai Corporation to dig large temporary artificial ponds in open grounds across various city zones for eco-friendly idol immersions, the federation president R Loganathan also demanded the establishment of localised tanks or designated non-polluted water bodies so that local communities do not transport all city idols exclusively to north Chennai coast.