Industries leave Cuddalore polluted; fisherfolk’s demands remain unmet

The Cuddalore constituency in Tamil Nadu is facing a battle for control between former AIADMK Minister M.C. Sampath and Congress candidate A.S. Chandrasekaran, with the Naam Tamilar Katchi and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam also vying for votes. Residents are frustrated by unmet civic needs such as traffic congestion, solid waste management issues, lack of flood mitigation measures, and environmental pollution. T. Arulselvan from SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors points out that untreated waste is dumped in the area, while the Gedilam River remains polluted due to sugar mill effluents. Fisherfolk are also seeking a dedicated fishing harbor and greater employment opportunities at Cuddalore Port.