Protests against Vizhinjam International Sea port on

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At night, children would stand up on their cots afraid of wall collapse when piling work for Vizhinjam International Sea port happens near their hutments, says protesters who had started hindering the work since Tuesday. Cracks have developed on several single storeys buildings next to the project site earlier this year. Unless the promised compensation is not released, fishermen will not budge from Karimballikkara area leading to the project site, say protesters.

The district administration meanwhile said that they hope to solve all the issues will be solved within November 9. “The sea erosion in the adjoining areas has intensified after some reclamation was made for the harbour. No study has been made to analyse the larger impact of such a project and dynamically fix the compensation. At least, there could have been timely efforts from government to clear out apprehensions on the project,” said George Yohanan, an agitator.   

As per revenue officials, all fishermen who have been paying tax to the civic body will be compensated. The compensation was doubled from Rs 2.5 lakh per cent in the area where people had raised a protest. Similarly, people were given compensation of up to Rs 12 lakh for loss of livelihood. The Adani group had promised to complete the work in 1,000 days in August 2015. However, shortage of raw materials and agitations has been affecting the project.