North Chennai protest in innovative ways for pollution free Chennai

People of North Chennai have been vocal about the adverse effects of pollution that taints the air, land and water in their area. They are often seen staging protests against projects that may have a negative bearing on the lives and livelihoods of the people and the environment according to a community magazine.

Several studies have reiterated that major industries operating in the Ennore-Manali region, including the Chennai Petroleum refinery, state-owned thermal power plant, contribute to the rising pollution in North Chennai. It is the residents who bear the brunt of this toxic onslaught — as they breathe poisonous air every day and use water that is highly contaminated with industrial effluents.

Usually, the North Chennaiites register their dissent in the form of black flag protests or road roko campaigns. But lately, armed with knowledge of the legal aspects and environmental impact of pollution, the community has devised unique methods to make themselves seen and heard.

While protesting the construction of power transmission towers inside the Kosasthalaiyar River on July 26, inland fishers from North Chennai had no black flags or loud slogans. They surrounded the construction site in their boats with piles of papers and maps as proof that the transmission tower was illegally erected inside the river. They demanded that the government give their river back to them.

The efforts of various groups like Chennai Climate Action Group (CCAG), that are part of Climate Action Collective, play a major role in educating the community and equipping them with crucial information. Using different forms of art; employing creative means such as making kolam,organising food festivals and involving children to take a stand—these are some of the innovative expressions of dissent by North Chennai residents.