Context: The week-long ongoing protests against the construction of the Adani Group’s Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram intensified, with fisherfolk laying siege to the port from the sea and land.

Fisherfolk’s demands

• The construction of the Rs 7,525 crore deepwater port and container transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam should be stopped until a proper environmental impact study has been conducted.

• Rehabilitation of families who lost their homes to sea erosion

• Effective steps to mitigate coastal erosion

• Financial assistance to fisherfolk on days weather warnings are issued

• Compensation to families of those who lose their lives in fishing accidents

• Subsidised kerosene

• A mechanism to dredge the Muthalappozhi fishing harbour in Anchuthengu in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Has the port work aggravated the coastal erosion?

• Government’s annual shoreline studies had noted that there is minimal erosion from the construction activity of port.

• A report from the committee of experts appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Shoreline Monitoring Cell confirms that erosion in the area around Valiyathura, Shanghumugham, and Punthura has not changed since the start of the port construction.

• The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) report assessing the shoreline changes for the committee provides information on the highest waves reported during this period.

Why is the Vizhinjam project considered important?

• It 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.

• There is a natural water depth of more than 20 meters within a nautical mile from the coast.

• Vizhinjam port is likely to play a pivotal role in maritime development in Kerala.

• The commissioning of the port is expected to leverage the growth of 17 minor ports in the State along with creating thousands of employment opportunities.