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Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has briefed about the major decisions which contributed to end the protest against Vizhinjam seaport project while addressing the assembly here on Wednesday. The Samara Samithi representatives agreed to call off the 138-day-long protest after holding talks with the CM.
"Rehabilitation of local people and protection of their livelihood are top priorities of his government while implementing development projects," declared the CM.
The Left government has assured this in all development projects and the approach is the same in the case of Vizhinjam port as well, he said in a statement made in the Assembly under Rule 300. Noting that the government is committed to the infrastructure development of the state that lays the foundation for Kerala's sustainable economic growth, he said it is also particular about the fact that the projects should be implemented with a humane approach. He said the protest committee had decided to call off the strike during a high-level talk held here on Tuesday.
Flats will be constructed to rehabilitate the fisherfolk within one and a half years. A rent of two months will be given in advance. These are the major promises given to the protesting fisherfolk, said the CM.
The CM also appreciated Malankara Catholic church archbishop Mar Baselios Cleemis for taking efforts to end the protest.
Major decisions taken by the government are as follows:
- The government has formed a district-level committee to monitor the rehabilitation projects in Vizhinjam as per the order issued in 3.11.2022.
- The construction of the flats will be completed within one and a half years. Rent of two months will be given as advance. Rs 5,500 will be given as a monthly rent as per the order issued on September 1, 2022.
- Rehabilitation programmes will be intensified and discussions will be held to construct houses without exceeding 635 sq. ft. A common area will be arranged to store net and other items.
- An expert committee appointed by the government for studying sea erosion will hold talks with the representatives of fisherfolk. The seaport construction will continue as per the plan.
- Kerosene-powered engines of fishing boats will be converted with engines of diesel, petrol and gas. A one-time subsidy will be given for this purpose.
- The government will give compensation to the fisherfolk as per the National Disaster Management Authority’s rule A(1)(e) for the losses incurred from the restrictions on venturing into the sea.
- The fisheries department will take action to resolve the issues in Muthalapozhi within two weeks after convening a meeting with CWPRS and fisherfolk.
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