Officials blocked from surveying land for Enayam Port

According to A. Churchill, general secretary, South Asian Fishermen’s fraternity (SAFF), “fishermen from the district prevented the port officials from entering the project area not just once but twice.” He added that “they are maintaining a constant watch to ensure that outsiders do not enter the area even on the sly.” 

Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan confirmed the happenings and said, “it is true that the port officials were prevented twice from carrying out their jobs.” The Union Minister added that “The District Collector too is not very helpful as he says he has not received any instructions on the port project from Chennai.” 

The Union Minister said that the feasibility report on the project had been completed and forwarded to the Secretariat in Chennai. The survey gains importance as it had to be completed for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Asked whether he had contacted his counterpart in the TN Minor Ports Ministry, the Minister said, “I have spoken to Minister Edapadi K. Palaniswamy on the issue and hope to see some action from the State Government soon.” 

The Tamil Nadu Minor Ports Ministry officials said “a feasibility study throws light only on the economic viability of the project. A similar study was undertaken for the same project as early as 1992 by the State Government.” 

Meanwhile, the fishing villages likely to be affected by the port project were abuzz with protests, daylong bandhs and fasts to create awareness on the negative impact of the project on their livelihood and marine wealth. 

“Till now, such bandh/fasts where fishermen refrain from going to the sea and shops being shut, have been held in 10 villages and similar awareness events will be conducted in another 34 coastal villages,” added SAFF general secretary Churchill.