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Kerala government has spent ₹100 crore so far on Vizhinjam rehabilitation: Port minister

Several development and welfare initiatives are being implemented using the government fund and the construction company's CSR fund.

ByPTI

Published Dec 09, 2022 | 5:06 PM ⚊UpdatedDec 09, 2022 | 5:06 PM

A large number of fisherfolk had been staging demonstrations at Mulloor for the past four months. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Kerala government has spent ₹100 crore so far on the rehabilitation initiatives in connection with the under-construction Vizhinjam sea port project, state Port Minister Ahammed Devarkovil said on Friday, 9 December.

Several development and welfare initiatives are being implemented in the region using the government fund and also making use of the CSR fund of the construction company, he told the state Assembly.

The Union Environment Ministry, at the time of the signing of the contract, had directed to carry out rehabilitation initiatives to the tune of ₹8.65 crore in the region, he said.

“But the LDF government has adopted a positive policy towards the fishermen community and spent ₹100 crore for rehabilitation alone,” Devarkovil said during question hour.

Adequate compensation?

The significant thing was that land of local fishermen had not been acquired in connection with the sea port project. The land of those who lived away from the seashore had been taken for the same, he explained.

All those who lost land in this way had been given compensation and those who lost houses were given five cents of land each, he added.

Also Read: Vizhinjam seaport construction resumes after four-month delay

Temporary standstill

The over 130-day-long protest by fisherfolk against the under-construction Vizhinjam sea port was called off on Tuesday after discussions between the leaders of the agitation and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

A large number of fisherfolk had been staging demonstrations outside the main entrance of the multi-purpose sea port at nearby Mulloor for the past four months. They attacked Vizhinjam police station on the night of 27 November, injuring several policemen.

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