People of Vizhinjam not involved, those protesting against construction of port are outsiders, says Minister   

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Those who are protesting in Vizhinjam are outsiders, said Minister Ahamed Devarkovil in a press conference. The people of Vizhinjam are not involved in the strike in Vizhinjam. The government had held detailed talks with citizen leaders and people’s representatives in Vizhinjam. A mechanism was arranged to resolve the issues raised by them. The government is moving ahead with an action to resolve the issues, said the minister.

“We are ready to talk with anyone. Not only port construction, but also climate change contributes to sea turbulence. In order to solve the housing problem of the fishermen, a beneficiary list has been prepared to provide housing to 1062 homeless people under the LIFE scheme. The rehabilitation of Ockhi disaster victims will be implemented soon. As they wish to settle near the sea shores, two places have been found in Valiyathura”, said the minister.

After analyzing the technical sides, rehabilitation procedures will be started in consultation with various departments. The fisheries department has prepared a Rs 1.8 crore project for the construction of day houses at Vizhinjam and a list of 107 beneficiaries for rehabilitation of Kattumaram (watercraft) workers. An estimate of Rs 11 lakh has been prepared for the repair of 243 houses, which were damaged due to piling. The minister also said that the fisheries directorate has prepared a feasibility study of Rs 20 crores for 80 groups, of eight members each, employed in the boat sector.