The Vizhinjam Port Project has been a topic of hot discussion in recent times. A major development undertaking in India, the project has had its fair share of controversy and public attention due to numerous factors such as its economic significance and the protests by local fishermen. Despite its considerable scale and promise of economic boost, the project has run into several hurdles that have delayed its completion. Here is a detailed analysis of the Vizhinjam Port Project and its associated challenges.
About the Vizhinjam Port Project
The breath-taking port of Vizhinjam is under development near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The project, propped by a staggering budget of Rs 7,525 crore, is being constructed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with Adani Ports Private Limited. Despite first breaking ground in December 2015, the port’s completion has been unfortunately delayed.
The port is set to be furnished with 30 berths and will cater to massive ‘megamax’ container ships. Aside from its vast scale, the Vizhinjam Port’s location is also of immense strategic importance as it is situated close to major international shipping routes. It is projected to spur competition with other significant ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai for a share of trans-shipment traffic.
Advantages of the Vizhinjam Port
Vizhinjam Port offers several competitive advantages such as the availability of 20m contour within one nautical mile from the coast, minimal littoral drift along the coast, hardly any maintenance dredging needed, links to national/regional road, railway network, and proximity to international shipping routes. The port’s strategic location and features are designed to provide an enormous boost to India’s economy.
Fishermen’s Protests Against the Vizhinjam Port Project
Despite its immense potential, the Vizhinjam Port Project has not been received well by everyone. Over the past four months, local fishermen have staged protests against the project. They allege that the construction work is triggering significant sea erosion, which in turn is robbing them of their livelihood and homes.
The protesters are calling for an impact study on the project and demand that construction be halted until the study’s findings are released. In addition, the fishing community has put forth six demands which include; rehabilitation of families displaced due to coastal erosion, measures to curb coastal erosion, financial support for fishermen during unfavorable weather conditions, compensation for families of fishermen who lose their lives in fishing accidents, subsidized kerosene, and a mechanism to dredge the Muthalappozhi fishing harbour in Anchuthengu in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Relevance to UPSC Civil Services Exam
This issue is also relevant in the domain of competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services Examination. A question about inland port construction was asked in the 2016 exam. The correct answer was Rajasthan, where an artificial inland port in Jalore is under development. This port will be connected to the Arabian Sea via a channel along the Kutch Creek.
The Vizhinjam Port Project holds great promise for boosting India’s economy. However, the project needs to address the concerns of local communities so that benefits can be shared equitably.
