Fishermen claim they are neglected in aftermath of Ennore oil spill

Represented by Selvaraj Kumar, the association said that the government has not given them their due. “The government is cheating the fishermen, who are the real victims of the oil spill, after two ships carrying fuel, collided near Kamarajar Port in Ennore. The oil spill, which has been increasingly underplayed, has affected the fishermen and the environment. Our fishing boats have been damaged due to the oil. Without considering our representations, the Fisheries Department has put a sum of Rs 135 crore as the compensation amount. In addition, they have given Rs 5,000 to 10,000 fishermen, in the name of relief funds. We want a fair representation and assurance that the fishermen who have been truly affected, will be suitably compensated,” said Selvaraj. 

He also filed a case with the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had ordered the Fisheries Department to receive the claims brought by any affected fisherman or person working in fishing related activities. 

K Mageswaran, advocate and counsel for the petitioner, said, “We have approached the Commissioner, Fisheries Department, but the predominant response by the authorities is that the oil spill has not affected the coast. That is untrue as the pollution still persists. We want the affected fishermen to be compensated, on providing proof of damages, as directed by the NGT,” he remarked.