The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Puducherry on Friday called upon the government to bring out a White Paper on the port project and dredging work which have been marred by controversy.
R. Rajangam, Secretary, CPI(M), said the draft project report did not have details about whether there would be environmental issues. If the fishing harbour was deepened, will fishing be affected once the port becomes functional or is there good infrastructure to transport 10 lakh tonne goods, he wanted to know.
He said members of various civil society organisations under the banner of Alliance of Good Governance (AGG) had shared information with the media on the proposed project.
“They presented the memorandum to the government and the Port Department. The case was filed in the High Court. The government, instead of approaching the issue in a transparent manner, has allegedly provoked some sections of people against the project.”
On Thursday, over 100 persons picketed the residence of Balamohan of AGG and threatened him. Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy had failed to condemn this incident.
“The CPI(M) alleged that Mr. Balamohan continued to receive threats from various sections. The CPI(M) is for development at the same time, the interest of the fishermen and people should be protected,” he said.
Mr. Rajangam also called upon the government to present a White Paper on the project.