Our land, our rights – rebuilding homes in Nagapattinam

After the 2004 tsunami, the Tamil Nadu government undertook construction of permanent houses as part of a rehabilitation programme.

Yet while fishing families requested to stay on the coasts, the government started building “safe houses” up to 4 km inland.

Bonded to the sea by their livelihoods, fishing communities in several areas have refused to leave their original homes. 

Many feared losing their rights over the sea and the coast, while others believe another tsunami may not occur in decades. 

"How will I carry on my work in the new house? Where will I keep the nets and the boats?" asks Govindraj, who lives in Kallikuppam in Nagapattinam district. 

Homes to suit lifestyle

After the state government has refused to fund the reconstruction of houses near the sea, ActionAid stepped in to play a pivotal role in financing the repair of existing homes – building more than 350 houses in Nagapattinam and are repairing another 700. 

"The Coastal Regulatory Zone Act recognises the traditional rights of fishermen. But there is very little awareness on this issue. With the help they receive from us, local people are not only managing to retain their land but also oversee the design and construction of their own houses and that gives them satisfaction,” says Ravi S K from ActionAid’s Cuddalore office.

Through partner, Social Need Education and Human Awareness (SNEHA), Govindraj was given Rs 50,000 (about US$1200) to renovate his home in the local style, reflecting the wishes of fishing communities for homes that are conducive to their lifestyle. 

Typically split into a verandah, a small hall and bedrooms they have a backyard with toilet and kitchen facilities where cooking still takes place in open spaces with cut wood and dried cow dung.

"After my husband's death in the tsunami, I designed this house with the help of NGOs. There is a lot more space here than the permanent brick houses being built there," says Aryamala one of the villagers.

Future threat

Community leaders and NGOs are concerned that with proposed changes in laws governing use of coastal land, they could face further threats to their homes and livelihoods. 

“The current Coastal Regulatory Zone Act which recognises the traditional rights of fishing communities is poised to be replaced by new ‘Coastal Zone Management’ legislation that does not,” says Sajeev part of ActionAid’s tsunami response team. 

“With no provision to protect fishing communities’ access to land and sea, the legislation will favour big business and tourism. Together we are challenging these proposals,” he adds.