Stranded under the trees, fishing families t Chinna Kottaimedu near Sirkazhi live in constant fear of losing their houses

Ramayi V. stands under a casuarina tree that is dangerously tilting towards her house in Chinna Kottaimedu fishing village, Thandavankulam panchayat, Sirkazhi taluk. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A cluster of 40 fishing families in the small hamlet of Chinna Kottaimedu, nestled in the Thandavankulam panchayat of Sirkazhi taluk, face a precarious and persistent challenge — a constant threat of trees looming over their houses.

The families of dwellers have been living in the hamlet for over eight decades, with many holding pattas issued years ago. Yet, due to the area’s classification as forestland, they are barred from felling trees, building compound walls, or constructing permanent structures. “Even if a tree stands in the middle of our living room, we’re told we can’t touch it,” says Mahalingam M., a long-time resident who has filed multiple petitions with the district administration.

“We pay house tax and hold pattas, yet we live like encroachers. Our families have grown, but the next generation cannot get pattas. Even building a safety wall is considered a violation by the Forest department,” he laments.

The village is surrounded by a dense growth of trees — including casuarina, neem, and peepal — many of which now pose a threat to the houses. Two months ago, during a bout of unseasonal rain and strong winds, a massive tree crashed on the house of 65-year-old C. Kala, rendering it uninhabitable. “I moved here after my marriage 50 years ago. Our family has grown, after the collapse we’re told we can’t reconstruct our home. Where else can we go?” she asks.

Ramayi.V., who lives with her children and an ailing husband, points to a tall tree leaning dangerously over her roof. “We live in constant fear. One strong gust can bring it down,” she says.

Despite the restrictions, residents continue to pay taxes and hold valid ration cards. Those without pattas are in limbo as the land falls under the forest category — even after decades of continuous residence.

Overgrown branches have entangled power lines, raising safety concerns, especially during storms.

A senior forest official in the district said: “We have not received any formal petition from this village. If the residents approach us regarding dangerous trees or patta issues, we will survey the land and take appropriate decision based on the ground situation.”

Published - June 16, 2025 06:27 pm IST