T.N. Assembly election: For second time, Pottalurani residents to boycott polls over fish waste processing units
The Hindu
Pottalurani residents boycott elections again, demanding closure of fish waste processing units impacting health and environment.
For the second consecutive time, the residents of Pottalurani village, which falls under Ottapidaram Assembly constituency in Thoothukudi district, have announced that they would boycott the election, as their long-pending demand for the closure of fish waste processing units near the village remains unaddressed by the government. More than 900 people had boycotted the Lok Sabha election in 2024 over the same issue.
The residents have been demanding the closure of fish waste processing units near the village since 2019, and have submitted multiple petitions in this regard. However, the protest intensified in early 2024 ahead of the Lok Sabha election. They have also raised several other demands.
This includes bifurcation of the Ellainayakkanpatti village panchayat to form a separate Pottalurani panchayat and withdrawal of cases filed against the residents during the course of protest.
According to the final electoral roll released in February 2026, the village has 912 voters — 422 men and 490 women.
A. Shanmugam, a resident of the village, said there were three fish waste processing units currently functioning near the village, including two units in Vadakku Karaseri and one in Pottalurani junction.
“Residents have been put to hardship because of the foul stench emanating from all three units. This is affecting the health of many people,” he said.
New Mangalore Port will receive 72,700 tonnes of LPG next week, including a 16,714-tonne discharge on March 22.
The Centre lifts air fare caps after three months, citing stabilized operations and rising aviation fuel costs amid geopolitical tensions.
Residents of Salem South demand solutions for traffic congestion, mosquito issues, and inadequate drinking water supply ahead of elections.
Experience Guuranda in Chennai: A captivating blend of Narungga stories, dance, music, and shadow puppetry celebrating Aboriginal culture.
Police warn against downloading APK files and clicking suspicious links to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud.
CM A. Revanth Reddy reviews Bhadrachalam temple development plans, targeting completion by March 2027 while adhering to Agama Shastra.
First-half blitz helps Punjab FC drub Kerala Blasters FC
Vellore Mayor Sujatha Anandakumar and a councillor face legal action for violating the Model Code of Conduct by distributing sports equipment.
Supreme Court judge Justice Nagarathna highlights government's role in court backlog, urging judicial reforms for effective litigation management.
Kerala LDF ministers declare assets nearing ₹2 crore each amid upcoming elections, revealing financial details and legal challenges.
Indiaspora, a San Francisco-based non-profit organisation which connects leaders of the Indian diaspora, is holding its 2026 Indiaspora Forum on March 22-24 and also a Global AI Summit on March 25, 2026, at JW Marriott Prestige Golfshire Resort in Bengaluru.
Special prayers mark Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Madurai
India’s gem and jewellery industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and a spirit of innovation, said Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), at the inauguration of the 4th edition of IIJS Bharat-Tritiya 2026 at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) here on Saturday, March 21.