In a letter to the Union Environment Ministry, Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan has strongly opposed the proposed expansion of the Kamarajar port as it would encroach on the Ennore Creek.
Stating that the proposal is blatantly illegal and dangerous as it proposes to convert wetlands into industrial real estate and coal yards, Mr. Haasan said, “The proposal can be accommodated elsewhere on dry land without hindering the flow of water, encroaching on wetlands or harming the livelihoods of fisherfolk.” A two-member sub-committee had visited Ennore in January this year to look into the complaints.
“Now, without even publishing the report of the sub-committee, the matter is being reconsidered. You may be aware that Tamil Nadu is currently in a state of shock over the loss of 13 lives in Tuticorin. That confrontation between the State and its people was a result of illegal and environmentally dangerous decisions — such as what is being considered in this case,” said Mr. Haasan.
“The failure to publish the report, and the sudden inclusion of the project for ‘reconsideration’ is worrisome and raises doubts about the influence of vested interests,” he said.
