Tamil Nadu: Agitated Salt Producers Urge Resolution At Gram Sabha Against Shipyard Project
Their demand triggered a prolonged exchange with officials, resulting in a tense atmosphere at the venue: Reports
THOOTHUKUDI: A special gram sabha meeting at Mullakadu near Thoothukudi witnessed turned acrimonious on Friday after salt producers demanded the adoption of a resolution opposing the proposed acquisition of land for a shipbuilding yard in the area.
The meeting, convened as part of the statewide observance of World Environment Day, was chaired by Murugan, assistant of the Thoothukudi Panchayat Union. It was attended by sanitation workers and personnel engaged under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Officials used the occasion to create awareness on the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, removal of legacy waste dump sites, waste segregation and environmental conservation. Themes such as “Clean Villages, Safe Climate” and “Lifestyle for the Environment” were highlighted, while discussions also focused on reducing plastic use, planting saplings and maintaining open defecation-free villages.
The proceedings, however, took a dramatic turn when members of the Kovalam Thanpadu Salt Producers’ Association entered the venue and urged the grama sabha to pass a resolution opposing the reported government move to acquire land in Mullakadu for establishing a shipbuilding yard.
The association members alleged that the meeting had been convened without adequate public notice and insisted that a resolution against the proposed land acquisition be adopted before the proceedings concluded.
Their demand triggered a prolonged exchange with officials, resulting in a tense atmosphere at the venue.
The officials, however, advised the protesters to submit their objections in writing and assured them that the representations would be forwarded to the government for appropriate consideration.
