we reached out to VISAL for a response and it is as follows:

At the outset, we are rather surprised at the concern raised by you. India has a well-defined legal / environment system in place that ensures a balanced economic and ecological development.

The Vizhinjam Port is a dream Project of the Nation, being one of the priority projects, identified in the Maritime Vision 2030 of the Ministry of Shipping and Ports, released by the Prime Minister of India. The Vizhinjam Port is already operational and is set to be the Transhipment Hub of India thereby ensuring development, trade, economic growth, and savings to the Nation.

We wish to inform you that the matter referred by you is sub-judice as a case is pending before the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala praying for enhanced benefits and extra facilities for a set of Litigants. The referred report (Our Beaches, Our Sea: Heritage of Fishing Communities, Usufruct of All Citizens) is also presented as a document before the Court. Hence, we are not able to comment on its intention, veracity, and authenticity.

The Environment Clearance accorded to Vizhinjam Port has stood the test of legal scrutiny, having gone through litigation before the National Green Tribunal, New Delhi. The Project is highlighted as one of the port projects that has undertaken numerous studies taking into consideration the various environment concerns raised and as well the ecological, and technical aspects. A reference may be made to the comprehensive EIA Report and the environmental clearance issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climatic Change, Government of India. The execution of the port is discussed as one of the best examples of inclusive development, balancing the technical and environmental requirements.

Though various allegations are raised, the following facts in this regard are undisputed:

1. No fishermen have been evicted by taking his land for the project execution. The displaced fishermen are on account of the Ockhi (2017) and other Cyclones that had occurred during the construction of the port.
2. The EIA Report specifies that the livelihood of certain fishermen / workers etc would be affected. Therefore, in respect of those whose livelihoods have been affected, a transparent and meticulous mechanism, with specifically laid down criteria for identification and assessment, has been constituted by the Government of Kerala. The Committee includes the District Collector, Revenue Divisional Officer, Fisheries Director, and other related Departments.
3. There is also an Appeal Mechanism to entertain appeals. Certain number of traditional fishers, who were engaged in Karamadi, Kattamaram, Chippy works, have been identified as temporarily affected and such fishers were compensated with livelihood compensations.
4. As of today, an amount of INR 107 crores has been distributed. Other mechanisms, such as a Monitoring Committee, which includes representatives from the public / Church etc headed by the District Collector to address grievances as well one constituted under the Chief Secretary of the State to oversee the grievance redressal mechanism also exists. Thus, there is a continuous monitoring system to ensure engagement with the community, identify and resolve issues.
5. There are many social welfare measures that have been carried out as part of the project execution in the nearby areas to bridge the gap in existing facilities in the sectors of drinking water, waste management, skill development, education, women empowerment, recreation, youth welfare, safety and security, agriculture development, efficient fishing methods etc.

The Port operations and fishing/ancillary activities coexist all over the world and both the activities are continuing as per rules and regulations prevailing in the democratic country of India. It may also be noted that Vizhinjam port construction has been carried out with best practices including stakeholder engagement, taking the community into confidence.

As in most huge infrastructure Projects, agitations do arise during the progress of its construction. The State Government has approached the protestors in the most positive manner and ensured that their grievances were heard and redressed.

It is also pertinent to point out that the benefits of the Port may be diverted to other geographical regions, if the Vizhinjam Port is not materialized and this is not acceptable to the genuine local folk and communities. Thanks for the patient reading