Hundreds of residents of Vizhinjam took out a rally here on Tuesday demanding the immediate implementation of the proposed International Deep-water Multipurpose Seaport project.
Residents and members of various organisations marched with placards from the Martyrs’ Column to the Secretariat.
A dharna staged by them was inaugurated by Vizhinjam International Seaport Joint Action Council patron Fr. Wilfred.
The project would remain a dream for the residents of Vizhinjam. While the project had reached a decisive stage with the progress of the tender formalities, the government was yet to display a positive intent in achieving the longstanding goal of the State, Fr. Wilfred said.
In addition, there were also concerns that the project could be dropped in favour of a similar one in Colachel in Kanyakumari district, he said.
Fr. Wilfred called for the formulation of a rehabilitation package for the fishing community whose livelihood would be affected with the implementation of the project. The Latin Catholic Church had a role to play in assisting such sections, he added.
The march and dharna was organised under the aegis of 20 organisations including the Vizhinjam parish, Federation of Residents’ Associations Thiruvananthapuram (FRAT), Vizhinjam Jama-ath, Swathanthra Matsyathozhilali Federation, and the Democratic Youth Federation of India.
The film fraternity pledged their supported to the cause with actor-film-maker Madhupal, actor Nandulal Krishnamoorthy, and producer Suresh Kumar taking part in the demonstration.
Poet Murugan Kattakada, Swami Sukrananda of Sivagiri Math, Thiruvananthapuram Chamber of Commerce secretary E.M. Najeeb, Corporation council Opposition leader Johnson Joseph, FRAT president Bhaskara Panicker, and action council general convener M.S. Venugopal were among those who addressed the gathering.
A citizens’ meet organised by the Confederation of Residents Associations (CONFRA) also demanded the immediate implementation of the project. The meeting alleged that certain foreign lobbies were making attempts to ensure that the project was shifted out of the State.
