On the Coromandel Coast of southeastern India, fishing communities around Puducherry and Karaikal are struggling to hold onto their livelihoods and land. Once thriving on daily catches worth 1,500 rupees, fishermen like A. Kannan now spend longer hours at sea for half the return.
The decline began after the 2004 tsunami, which devastated the Tamil Nadu coastline. In response, mangrove forests were planted to protect against future disasters and restore biodiversity. But as the coastline transformed, so did its use — tourism surged and traditional fishing grounds were sidelined.
Beaches like Pondy Marina, once used for net fishing and turtle nesting, have been repurposed for tourism. The problem, say local activists, is that fishing communities were never properly included in coastal zone management plans. Their land use and ecologically sensitive areas, such as sand dunes and mudflats, were left unmapped and unprotected.
To change that, researchers from the Coastal Peoples' Right to Life Movement (CPRM) are working with local fishers to map the coastline. Women from the Karaikal Fisherwomen’s Federation play a key role, using their deep knowledge of the land to chart dunes and water sources. These dunes, for example, store rainwater and protect against saltwater intrusion — vital for drinking water and agriculture.
Ecologists emphasize the importance of mudflats and mangroves, which support marine life and act as natural carbon sinks. In August 2024, the group petitioned the local government and filed a case with the National Green Tribunal to revise the coastal plans. The process may take two years, but for these communities, it’s essential. Their goal is simple: to ensure their land, knowledge and livelihoods are recognized and protected in the face of climate change and development pressures.