Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a public hearing on Wednesday regarding the draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the second and third phases of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project, amidst varying concerns from stakeholders.
Organized under the oversight of District Collector Geromic George, the public hearing proceeded peacefully despite objections from groups like the Thiruvananthapuram Matsyathozhilali Forum, associated with the Latin Archdiocese, who criticized the process for lacking transparency. Participants included fishermen, community representatives, local leaders, and church authorities.
Dyson Yesudas, vicar of Pulluvila Forane, voiced reservations to The Hindu, highlighting the hurried nature of the proceedings which allegedly did not afford adequate time for stakeholders to review the draft report comprehensively. Concerns raised encompassed the ecological impact on the coastline, already affected by declining fish diversity and coral reefs, as well as shortages in potable water in affected villages.
“We remain uncertain about the extent of the shipping channel, potentially restricting access for traditional fishermen,” Yesudas stated, emphasizing that these concerns did not signify opposition to the project but a call for their resolution through inclusive engagement with local communities.
During the hearing, authorities presented the project’s master plan and fielded grievances from participants. Members of the Latin Archdiocese reiterated their stance that the next phases of the project should proceed only after addressing the fishing community’s concerns about environmental impacts stretching from Vizhinjam to Pozhiyoor.
Key areas of the project, outlined in the master plan, include Vizhinjam and Kottukal. Calls were made for adequate compensation to be provided to fishermen across the coastal regions prior to advancing to subsequent phases.
In contrast, members of the Janakiya Samiti from Mukkola expressed support for the port project from its inception, urging swift environmental clearances to commence the next phases without delay.
Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) had previously submitted the draft EIA report to the Pollution Control Board as part of the comprehensive development plan. The public hearing was convened to gather public feedback on the report, which will contribute to the final report submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The port’s developer, Adani Group, remains optimistic about receiving environmental clearance within the next three months, signaling potential progress in the project’s timeline.
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