Reassessing Vizhinjam Port Boundary Inclusion in CZMP Raises Concerns in Kerala

The Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) is reassessing the inclusion of the Vizhinjam port boundary in the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Thiruvananthapuram District. This comes after concerns were raised about the accuracy of the port area map obtained from Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), which was incorporated into the CZMP. The KCZMA is checking whether the drawing was created correctly and reviewing the government order under which the map was approved.

During a public hearing in May, residents and stakeholders questioned why the port boundary was marked in the CZMP, as other districts did not have such specifications in their maps. The concerns stemmed from worries about potential disruptions to construction work in the designated port boundary area and whether permits from port authorities would be required for future construction. KCZMA officials have assured that such approval is not necessary, but residents remain unconvinced.

One of the main concerns raised by residents was that the areas designated as port boundaries also included locations exempt from port acquisition requirements. This led to worries about potential limitations on land transactions within the buffer zone. The KCZMA acknowledges these concerns and aims to address them in order to alleviate public worries.

In light of the public feedback and concerns, the KCZMA is reviewing the shapefile and the government order to ensure the accuracy of the CZMP. They recognize the need to check whether the administrative order regarding the map is still in effect and will make necessary revisions to address the concerns raised by the public. The reassessment aims to maintain transparency and address public concerns regarding the port limitation in the CZMP for Thiruvananthapuram District.

Source .