For years, the coastal village of Kanathur Reddykuppam, along the East Coast Road, has been gradually disappearing due to sea erosion, which has been steadily encroaching upon the coastal commons. 

With no designated area for mooring, local fishermen resorted to parking their boats on a vacant plot of land by the shoreline.

In recent weeks, the erosion has worsened significantly. Meanwhile, the owner of the vacant land, a private individual, began constructing a compound wall. This unauthorised wall, erected just 10 metres from the sea, raised concern among residents, as it encroached upon the very space used by fishermen for years.

Responding to complaints from the local community, officials from the Chengalpattu district, including the Tahsildar and other revenue officials, recently inspected the site and ordered a halt to the construction, which had taken place without necessary approvals. The wall had been built within an area classified as ‘No Development Zone’ as per the CRZ Notification, 2011.

Ezhumalai, a fisherman from the area, said the land had remained unused for nearly two decades and served as a vital space for parking boats. “Just over a month ago, someone suddenly began building a compound wall,” he said. Following community objections, district authorities intervened, halting further development. However, residents say the deeper issue remains unresolved.

Fishermen are now calling for a permanent solution to the worsening erosion. “Without a breakwater, it will be difficult to carry on,” Mr. Ezhumalai said.

Rahul Nadh, Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), confirmed that permission could not be granted for any hard structure at this time, as a case related to the matter is currently pending before the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal.