Rocks being moved in a dredger for the construction of Vizhinjam port terminal in Thiruvananthapuram. file. , Photo Credit: PTI
The state government prepared the terms of reference for the expert committee constituted to study the impact of the Vizhinjam International Port on the beach adjacent to the construction site.
The committee has been directed to submit an interim report within four months and a final report to the state government within six months.
According to a recent order issued by the government, an expert committee consisting of experts from various scientific institutions was constituted to examine whether port work has caused any coastal erosion along the shoreline and to prevent coastal erosion. To identify specific remedial measures, if any, in the area of influence of construction.
As per the terms of reference, the committee will assess the extent of coastal erosion, if any, in the area of influence Vizhinjam International Port Project With special emphasis on the period after the commencement of construction work. If any such coastal erosion is observed, the committee will identify the causes, including those due to port construction, and suggest measures to mitigate the same.
Impact on Fishing Activities
It was also asked to examine the impact of construction and development of the port project on various fishing activities, navigation channels and marine ecosystems in the impact zone of the port and suggest measures to mitigate the same. The committee may organize stakeholder consultations, wherever necessary. The terms of reference of the committee were prepared after holding meetings at the official level and with the stakeholders.
The port department has been directed to provide relevant data, reports and other documents available to the committee as and when required for the purpose of investigation. Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) should also provide office space to the expert committee. The government order states that the expenses of the committee will be met from the appropriate head of account maintained by VISL.
The panel is headed by MD Kudale, former Additional Director, Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune.
The committee was formed last October after a months-long agitation headed by the Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, who alleged that the port construction has increased coastal erosion in the project’s influence zone and beyond.