Demands Of Locals Unresolved: Tharoor To Skip Vizhinjam Port’s Opening Ceremony (image-X/ShashiTharoor)
History was made when the world’s second-largest shipping company, Maersk, arrived at Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port, India’s first transshipment port in Kerala. Citing unresolved grievances of the locals, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor announced his decision to abstain from participating in the celebrations for the “trial run” of a vessel at the port in his constituency on Friday.
Taking to X, Tharoor emphasised that, although a “strong supporter” of the project, there has been no action to address the demands and woes of the local communities whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the construction of the port.
Read Also: Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port Welcomes First Mothership; Kerala Creates History
In his statement, the Congress leader reminded the Kerala government of its duty to “afford adequate compensation,” wherein the United Democratic Front-led state government sanctioned a rehabilitation package of Rs 475 crores in 2015 that was set to be disbursed in 5 years. Tharoor stated that since the Left Democratic Front (LDF) came to power in 2016, the promise has not been fulfilled yet.
“Ultimately, when the fishing community vehemently protested against a regime doing little to alleviate its woes, I supported all of its legitimate demands, except one: that the construction of the Vizhinjam International Seaport be halted. Equally dismaying, rehabilitating those displaced by instances of coastal erosion, linked to the seaport, has not occurred and is equally imperative,” highlighted Tharoor.
Describing his participation as “inappropriate,” the party leader announced his decision to not attend the event and stated that the issues and grievances in the local community should be addressed before formal operations commence at the port.
Read Also: Adani Group Deserves Appreciation For Vizhinjam International Seaport: Pinarayi Vijayan
“What pains me, though, is that even ten months later, between the first arrival and now, few efforts have been made to allay the misery of our coastal community,” he added.
My statement explaining why i cannot join the celebrations of the “trial run” arrival of a vessel at the Vizhinjam Port in my constituency tomorrow. I am a strong supporter of the port project, but ten months after the celebration of the first arrival of a cargo ship (which I… pic.twitter.com/CUL7ErMmri
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 11, 2024
The official function will be attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Adani Ports, and SEZ Ltd. (APSEZ) Managing Director Karan Adani. The event, which will take place on July 12, will mark the formal completion of the port’s first phase.
