The proposed Enayam International Container Transhipment Terminal, which is going to be established at the cost of ₹28,000 crore with automated machinery, would give employment only to 700 persons and not for 50,000 local workers as being claimed by the officials, according to protestors.
Speaking to reporters at Thuckalay near here on Wednesday, South Asian Fishermen Fraternity general secretary Rev. Fr. Churchill and Anti-EICTT Struggle Committee Coordinator Theodore Sam said none from the government – neither Union Minister of State for Shipping and Highways Pon. Radhakrishnan nor Collector Sajjansingh R. Chavan – had discussed this issue with those who were opposed to this project or solicited their views though they were prepared for a transparent and comprehensive discussion on this issue.
Instead of getting the views of the people protesting against the EICTT, the government officials were discussing the project only with people who were neither fishermen nor those who were opposing it.
Moreover, no detailed discussion or comprehensive information on the project had been given during the meetings so far chaired by the Collector.