Coastal erosion in Vizhinjam: Final study report in August, draft in July

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The final report of the committee appointed under the chairmanship of MD Kudale, former additional director of the Central Water and Power Research Station, to study coastal erosion related to the Vizhinjam port project will be submitted to the government in August. The government has assured that the first ship will reach Vizhinjam in September, but the proposal is to submit the report at least one month before. The draft report will be submitted in July. The public committee formed under the leadership of the Latin Archdiocese as an alternative to the committee appointed by the government may release the final report before this. The government-appointed committee is studying whether coastal erosion has taken place in the port's influence area after the beginning of port's construction. If coastal erosion has occurred, its exact and important causes will be identified and appropriate remedies will be suggested.

The government has asked the committee to examine whether there has been any impact on fishing activities, marine ecosystems or the navigation channel due to the construction of the port and suggest remedial measures, if any. At the same time, it is not clear how many kilometres should be studied for coastal erosion. If needed, talks will be held with Latin Archdiocese leadership and strike committee leaders.

The breakwater construction has been completed for about two thousand metres. Dredging is to be done at 7 million cubic meters. Of this, 2.31 million cubic metres has been completed so far. It is estimated that the reclamation to be done in 53 hectares has been completed in 35 hectares. Container berth piling and precasting works of beams and slabs are 100 percent complete. Cranes, the machinery for port operations, will be reach Vizhinjam in May-8 main cranes and 24 yard cranes. Construction of four of the tug boats has also been completed.