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Kerala: Rs 100 crore spent so far for Vizhinjam port rehabilitation
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Kerala: Rs 100 crore spent so far for Vizhinjam port rehabilitation
Dec 9, 2022 9:49 AM

The Kerala government has spent Rs 100 crore so far for the rehabilitation initiatives in connection with the under-construction Vizhinjam sea port project, state Port Minister Ahammed Devarkovil said on Friday.

The project is the development of the Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport by Adani Ports which has been a site of violent protests fought by local fishermen ever since the construction work started.

Several development and welfare initiatives are being implemented in the region using the government fund and also making use of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund of the construction company, he told the State Assembly.

Also read: Vizhinjam port protest: Over 3,000 booked, nearly 40 injured after violent clashes

The Union Environment Ministry, at the time of the signing of the contract, had directed to carry out rehabilitation initiatives to the tune of Rs 8.65 crore in the region, he said.

"But, the LDF government has adopted a positive policy towards the fishermen community and spent Rs 100 crore for rehabilitation alone," Devarkovil said during the question and answer session.

The significant thing was that land of local fishermen had not been acquired in connection with the seaport project. The land of those who lived away from the seashore had been taken for the same, he explained.

Also read: Adani Group moves Kerala HC seeking central forces protection at Vizhinjam port

All those who lost land in this way had been given compensation and those who lost houses were given five cents of land each, he added.

The over 130-day-long protest by fisherfolk against the under-construction seaport was called off for now on Tuesday after discussions between the leaders of the agitation and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

In August 2022, fishermen and priests from the area raised slogans and waved black flags against Adani group. Protestors were concerned about marine erosion at the site of the rehabilitation and compensation for the families that lost their homes due to an increased number of tidal wave attacks following the construction.

Also read: Explained: Why Kerala fishermen are protesting against Adani Ports project?

A large number of fisherfolk had been staging demonstrations outside the main entrance of the multi-purpose seaport at nearby Mulloor for the last more than four months. They even attacked Vizhinjam police station on the night of November 27, injuring several policemen.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published:Dec 9, 2022 6:49 PM IST

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