Why are fisherfolk protesting the Vizhinjam port project?
- Vizhinjam has been on the boil for the past four months with protesters mainly fisherfolk and their families laying siege to the under-construction Vizhinjam port.
- The protestors led by the Latin Archdiocese have been demanding the halting of the construction work of the port by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited.
Reason of the protests
- Aggravation of coastal erosion
- Port work has aggravated coastal erosion along Thiruvananthapuram.
- Demand for a scientific study
- To assess impact of port work on the shoreline
- Displacement of coastal communities
- ~ 300 families were shifted to relief camps after their houses were destroyed due to high-intensity coastal erosion.
- Demand for a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the fisherfolk
- Assured minimum wage when the sea turns rough due to inclement weather, and subsidized kerosene for boats.
Coastal erosion
- Erosion is minimum at Thrissur (1.5 %) and maximum at Thiruvananthapuram (23%), even before the port construction.
- More severe during monsoon months due to high-energy short storm waves that lash the coast almost in a perpendicular position moving the sand offshore.
Government’s stance
- Made it clear that since the coastal erosion is due to climate change, the demand for stopping the port construction cannot be conceded.
- Vizhinjam seaport is constructed inside a natural sediment cell
- A pocket-like area
- Interruptions to the movement of sand along the coast do not significantly affect the adjacent coastline.
Importance of Vizhinjam project
- Likely to play a pivotal role in the maritime development of Kerala.
- Expected to leverage the growth of minor ports in Kerala and other regional ports.
