Governance
Vizhinjam Port Project
- 06 Dec 2022
- 4 min read
For Prelims: Adani port in Vizhinjam, PPP
For Mains: Issues and Challenges in Development Projects in India
Why in News?
Recently, Adani Group approached the Kerala High Court requesting the security cover of central forces in its port construction site in Vizhinjam which was marred by violent protests by the Fishermen.
What is the Vizhinjam Port Project?
- About:
- It is a Rs 7,525 crore port, being built under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with Adani Ports Private Limited at Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- It was laid in December 2015 and has since missed its completion deadline.
- The port is to have 30 berths, and will be able to handle giant “megamax” container ships.
- Significance:
- It is believed that the ultramodern port, located close to major international shipping routes, will boost India’s economy and its location is also of strategic importance.
- The port is expected to compete with Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai for a share of trans-shipment traffic.
- The port’s advantages are “availability of a 20m contour within one nautical mile from the coast, minimal littoral drift along the coast, hardly any maintenance dredging required, links to national/regional road, rail network, and proximity to international shipping routes.
Why are Fishermen Protesting?
- Fisherfolk have been protesting against the project for the past four months, alleging that its construction is causing massive sea erosion, taking away their livelihood and dwellings.
- They want an impact study conducted and the project to remain suspended until the study report comes out.
- The fishing community has also put forward six other demands:
- 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.
- The kerosense subsidy has been demanded by claiming that because of the project, fishermen have to venture deeper into the ocean for catch, increasing the fuel cost burden.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel? (2016)
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Rajasthan
Ans: (d)
Exp:
- The State of Rajasthan is developing an artificial inland port in Jalore which would be connected to the Arabian Sea by developing a channel along the Kutch Creek.
- The Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) proposed to guide and support the Rajasthan government for building this port.
- Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
