Seawater enters tenements in fishermen locality in Chennai

Several tenements suffered damage as seawater continued to enter a predominant fishermen locality along the beach front at Pattinapakkam here in the past several days.
The area, prone for sea erosion, has been hit by high waves for the past ten days and the seawaters inundated the houses, affecting normal life and causing damage to household appliances.
Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who inspected the area on the orders of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, today said a study would be carried out on the sea erosion in the area.
"We propose to do a study and get a report to prevent sea erosion in that area. The report will be submitted to our honourable Chief Minister," he told PTI.

If residents desired alternative housing, it would be considered by the Chief Minister, he said to a question.
"Frequent highwaves accompanied by strong winds have caused inundation of my house like several others here. We are witnessing highwaves for the past ten days," said M Kumaran, a fisherman and resident of the area.

"Several household appliances have been damaged. We could not even prepare food," he said even as he was bringing sandbags to line up around his house.
He said appropriate action like placing groynes should be considered to prevent a repeat of the situation.
However, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association President K Bharathi said putting up groynes may not be the solution.

"Residents should consider taking up alternative tenements and the government should provide them," he said.
Residents of the area said the city Corporation officials could "at least" pitch in with food supplies as preparing it has become too difficult.
Several fishermen, like Kumaran, however, are apprehensive about relocating as it may affect their livelihood.
"We depend on sea for our livelihood. Moving out of the seafront may not be an option," he said.
The Regional Meteorological Centre here has cautioned that strong winds from Southwesterly direction with speed occasionally reaching 45-55 kmph were likely along and off Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts till tomorrow.