Burying the hatchet with the fisherfolk
By Express News Service | Published: 27th October 2017 01:37 AM |
Last Updated: 27th October 2017 07:30 AM | A+A A- |
The seaport is being built at the south of Vizhinjam Harbour | File Pic
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With work stalled at the Vizhinjam port project site for the third consecutive day, the government and Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) launched measures on Thursday to defuse the situation and enable the Adani Group to restart the work. VISL, the government company overseeing the project, has decided to fast track the distribution of the enhanced compensation of Rs 5.6 lakh to shore seine (kambavala) fishermen in Kottapuram ward.
The enhanced compensation will be distributed on October 28 and the compensation for those fishermen who had refused to accept the original amount will be distributed on November 1, VISL officers said. The state government had originally decided to distribute the money on November 7 and 9, but had decided to advance the dates following the stir declared by the local populace demanding a better rehabilitation and compensation package.
Earlier, the government had fixed Rs 2.5 lakh each as a ‘livelihood compensation’ for the shore seine fishermen of Kottapuram. Following a demand to raise the amount, it was increased to Rs 5.6 lakh each. Orders in this regard had been issued a week ago. As many as 120 fishermen had accepted Rs 2.5 lakh and the remaining amount will be distributed on Saturday. However, around 60 beneficiaries had not accepted the sum. The whole amount will be disbursed to them on November 1.
All beneficiaries, who were issued letters by VISL, have been asked to report at the Government Rest House at 9 am on Saturday to receive the payment. Meanwhile, in the case of the additional fishermen who have applied for compensation, the verification of documents have been completed. Fisheries officers are expected to complete the physical verification by November 30.
Work Stalled For Third Day
Construction has come to a standstill at the port site, and it is understood the Adani Group is in constant touch with the state government and the Ports Department regarding the situation. According to sources, 15 trailer-loads of equipment and other materials have arrived at the site on Thursday morning. Ports Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally met VISL officers on Thursday morning to discuss the turn of events
