Fisherfolk from Mandapathukkuppam, a coastal hamlet under Perunthottam panchayat in Mayiladuthurai district, have urged the authorities to lay a motorable road and install street lights along the 400-metre stretch leading to their fishing beach. The absence of basic infrastructure, they say, is hampering their livelihood and endangering their safety.

The village, home to around 250 families that depend on fishing, has only one sandy path to access the beach where the fishing boats are docked. However, residents say the pathway has remained damaged for nearly 15 years, with large stones and uneven terrain making even two-wheeler access difficult.

“There are no street lights, and after sunset, it is dangerous to go to the shore. Two-wheelers can barely pass through due to the stones and deep ruts,” said Revathi V, a resident.

Fishermen said vehicles transporting ice or arriving to procure fish often stop before the damaged stretch, forcing residents to manually carry heavy ice bars and baskets of fish. “We have submitted multiple petitions over the years, but action has not been taken. Since we are a small fishing hamlet, our concerns are often ignored,” said Mayandi K, another resident.

An official from the Rural Development Department told The Hindu that they would look into the matter.