Church representatives meet Kerala CM again on Vizhinjam package

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 19: Representatives of the Latin Catholic church today once again met Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy in connection with the apprehensions of the fishermen community with regard to the Vizhinjam Deep sea project, agreement of which was inked two days ago.

Chandy met the representatives led by Vicar General Eugin J Perira, at his residence at around 7 am.

Church representatives later told reporters they had taken up the apprehensions of the fishermen community with regard to loss of their land and jobs besides difficulties due to dredging which could affect fishing operations.

The church has demanded a special rehabilitation package for about 50,000 fishermen. The chief minister assured them that their concerns would be addressed and the issues will be taken up by the government.

The Congress-led UDF government and Gujarat-based Adani Group had on Monday signed the work contract agreement for development of the Rs 7,525-crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport.

PTI