The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has mandated a mandatory public hearing before the commencement of the second and third phases of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. The directive is perceived as a setback for the international transshipment terminal port near the Kerala capital, which is being implemented in collaboration with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd.
The decision is seen as a moral victory for the local fishermen community around the port in Thiruvananthapuram, who have been actively opposing the project citing concerns about sea erosion and its impact on their lives and livelihoods. The MoEFCC’s move underscores the need for the affected people to voice their grievances and hardships resulting from the construction of the port.
The Vizhinjam port, a public-private partnership with Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., has faced criticism from the local community, particularly fishermen who claim the project is causing sea erosion and destroying their homes and livelihoods. The 3.2 km breakwater, a part of the construction, has also raised concerns about its impact on prominent tourist spots like Kovalam and Shanghumugham Beach.
The public hearing is expected to provide a platform for affected individuals to express their concerns and list the challenges they face due to the port’s construction. The MoEFCC’s decision comes after the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) sought exemption and environmental clearance for the next phases, fearing further protests.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the MoEFCC rejected the demand, emphasizing that public hearings are essential for the approval of further phases. The EAC highlighted that the configuration of the project would change with the construction of new berths in the upcoming phases, necessitating public consultation.
In response, the VISL argued that the expansion works would take place on already acquired land and that holding another public hearing would be a waste of time and resources. However, the EAC insisted that the changing components of the project require a fresh public hearing.
The MoEFCC has directed the VISL to include public concerns and the obligations of project proponents in the amended Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which will be presented for the second environmental clearance. The amended report is expected to address concerns related to erosion, accretion, and the project’s impact on marine ecology and biodiversity.
The outcome of the public hearing and the amended EIA report will play a crucial role in the European Commission’s decision to grant support for the next phase of the Vizhinjam port construction. Despite the government’s expectations for commercial operations to begin in the first half of 2024, concerns linger as only 65.46 percent of phase one work has been completed, prompting scrutiny and calls for thorough environmental assessments.
