Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday asked the State government to immediately implement the rehabilitation package for the people affected by the implementation of the Vizhinjam port project.
In a statement here, Mr. Chennithala attributed ill-motives behind the State government’s disinterest in implementing the rehabilitation package prepared by the previous UDF government. He said the local population had launched an agitation in May seeking the implementation of the package. An agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, but this was not implemented even after five months. He said the government had the responsibility to provide compensation for the families living in 158 houses that were damaged during the piling work for the port project, he said.
P.C. George hits out
P.C. George, MLA, demanded urgent government intervention to temporarily halt the piling work at Vizhinjam and also take adequate steps to rehabilitate the fisherfolk affected by the project.
Mr. George said the Vizhinjam pact that went against the interest of the State was struck jointly by the UDF and the LDF.
But the compensation package that was announced for the fishermen was given only to 136 affected persons so far. The piling work had badly hit the houses in the vicinity. The project would have serious environmental impact too. These factors were not considered before finalising the agreement.
The State would start getting benefit from the project only after 40 years. While the government gave ₹19,555 crore to the promoter, Adani Group, the State government would get only ₹13,947 crore.
That means the loss in this score was ₹5,608 crore. The government should immediately intervene to stop the project and take measures to rehabilitate the affected fish workers’ families, he said.