Protest erupts at Vizhinjam port over expansion concerns

T'puram: Thousands of people from diverse sections of society participated in a massive protest rally and sit-in demonstration organized by Pulinkudi Janavakasha Samrakshana Samithi at the gate of Vizhinjam International Seaport on Saturday evening. The protest was organized to draw attention to multiple issues allegedly arising from the ongoing second, third and fourth phases of the port's development.Raising the slogan ‘Our Coast, Our Livelihood, Our Life,' the protest march began at 4pm from Pulinkudi and proceeded to the port premises. Environmental activists, fishermen, tourism workers, autorickshaw and taxi drivers, souvenir shop owners, beach traders, small-scale merchants and construction workers joined the rally in large numbers, highlighting growing discontent among local communities. Protesters raised concerns over severe coastal erosion, loss of traditional livelihoods, environmental degradation, pollution and night-time dredging activities, which they claim are affecting both marine ecosystems and coastal life. A public meeting held at port gate was presided over by Samithi president Jerome Das, who stressed the need to protect fragile coastal environment and ensure justice for affected communities. The protest march was inaugurated by Sudheesh Kumar, patron of Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association, who expressed solidarity with those impacted by the port project. Raj, representing souvenir shop owners, delivered the keynote address, while Abhilash S V, representing taxi and autorickshaw workers, spoke about the loss of employment opportunities following the port's commissioning. Among those present were Athiyannoor block vice-president K S Rajan and Kottukal panchayat member Hyacinth Louis. The protesters put forward a series of demands, including restricting port project to its first phase, revising plans for further expansion and regulating dredging activities blamed for coastal erosion in Kovalam, Kottukal and Karumkulam regions. They also called for comprehensive environmental impact studies before proceeding with future phases. Additionally, the protesters demanded that all port operations be halted after 6pm to ensure peaceful living conditions for locals. They urged authorities to revise the project to protect the region's ecology, biodiversity, cultural fabric, fishing livelihoods and tourism industry.