Explained | Why are fisherfolk protesting the Vizhinjam port project?

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | Why are fisherfolk protesting the Vizhinjam port project?” published in The Hindu on 6th December 2022

What is the News?

Vizhinjam in Kerala has been on the boil with protesters mainly fisherfolk and their families demanding the halting of under-construction Vizhinjam port. 

What is Vizhinjam Port?

Vizhinjam Port is an ambitious project taken up by the Government of Kerala. The port is being built by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited.

It is designed primarily to cater container transhipment besides multi-purpose and break bulk cargo.

Significance: The port is located on the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula, just 10 nautical miles from the major international sea route and east-west shipping axis.

Hence, the port is expected to leverage the growth of minor ports in Kerala and other regional ports, creating thousands of employment opportunities.

Why are people protesting against this port project?

According to protestors, the port work has aggravated the coastal erosion along the coast of Thiruvananthapuram. 

They have raised demands which include 1) A scientific study to assess the impact of the port work on the shoreline after stopping the construction of the port, 2) A comprehensive rehabilitation package for the fisherfolk in the region, 3) An assured minimum wage when the sea turns rough due to inclement weather and 4) subsidized kerosene for boats.

Has the port project aggravated coastal erosion?

All types of construction work along a coast, aggravate sea erosion (loss of beach) and accretion (gain of beach). Any structure — be it groyne, seawall, or breakwater — intensifies erosion on one side and accretion on the other.

Note: Although coastal erosion is dominant in all coastal districts of Kerala, it is more severe along the coastline of Thiruvananthapuram.