Fishermen reiterate opposition to deep-sea hydrocarbon project at grievance meeting
During the meeting, the fishermen expressed their condemnation for the deep sea project. They said that bids had already been invited for the project, without conducting any public hearing regarding its implementation. They pointed out that the project envisages exploration at three sites along the Kanniyakumari coast, which would affect the coral reefs and livelihood of the local fishing community.
Kanniyakumari District Collector R. Alagumeena, who chaired the meeting said that the district administration has not received any official information regarding the proposed project.
At the meeting various petitions were submitted by fishermen. These included the distribution of kerosene at subsidised rate and calls to verify the authenticity of boats currently availing subsidy. Additional petitions were raised seeking the construction of new groyne at Rajakamangalam Thurai, Arockiapuram, Kovalam, Manakudi, Keezha Manakudi and Periyakadu. Many petitions were also submitted regarding the pattas for tsunami houses, extension of bus service to coastal villages and construction of new roads in coastal areas.
They also urged the district administration to ensure compensation for the fishermen affected by sunken cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 and to provide details of the container locations to ensure the safety at sea.
In response Ms. Alagumeena said that annual inspections are being carried out and only eligible boats are provided kerosene at subsidised rates. She also informed that DPR has been prepared for the construction of new groynes at the coastal villages including Periyakadu and Keezhamanakudi. Regarding the sunken vessel, she stated that fishermen would be alerted with the locations of the container to ensure their safety.
Padmanabhapuram Sub Collector Vinay Kumar Meena, Deputy Director of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Chinnakuppan and other officials were present at the meeting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- New Indian Express
MP Tejasvi slams delays, ballooning costs of Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line
BENGALURU: A day after the launch of Namma Metro's Yellow Line, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya hit out at the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) over the delay and escalating costs of the Pink Line. Speaking to TNIE onboard a train on the Yellow Line on Monday, Surya said the elevated stretch from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere, earlier set for opening in September 2025, will now be ready only by March 2026. The underground section from Dairy Circle to Nagavara, originally targeted for opening on June 2026, is now slated for September 2026. Surya expressed frustration over BMRCL's repeated delays and ballooning costs, citing examples from previous phases. Phase 1's budget rose from Rs 6,300 crore in 2005 to Rs 14,000 crore, and Phase 2's from Rs 26,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 40,000 crore in 2024, he said, calling it an undue burden on taxpayers despite high demand for Metro connectivity. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on Sunday confirmed the new timelines and revealed that the proposed Phase 3A corridor (Red line) — 36.58 km from Sarjapur to Hebbal, costing Rs 28,405 crore — has had its Detailed Project Report (DPR) returned to the state for cost review under benchmarking guidelines. The ministry urged the state to expedite the process and prepare a long-term Metro master plan for Bengaluru. Surya also flagged the need to increase Metro train frequency, especially on the Yellow Line, with more train sets expected by year-end. He said, 'I spoke to the MD of Titagarh Rail Systems (the company which is manufacturing and supplying train sets) and he says that from October two trains will be available per month and by the end of August, the fourth train will also be added.'
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
War of words erupts over river linking project
Surat: Ahead of a rally on Thursday announced by the Congress party in Dharampur, to protest the Par Tapi Narmada river linking project, a war of words has begun between political leaders. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Congress's Vansda MLA Anant Patel called for the rally and urged tribals to join in large numbers to protest the project, while BJP leaders claimed that the scrapping of the project has already been announced. Patel said the govt prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and this is why the protest campaign has restarted. BJP leaders, including C R Paatil, countered by accusing Patel of misleading the public, asserting that the project has been scrapped, as was previously announced by the govt. Union water resources minister Paatil accused the Congress of spreading false information about the Par Tapi Narmada river linking project. The BJP leader urged people not to be swayed by misinformation. "The Congress has recently been raising the issue to gain political mileage among tribal people. The BJP govt is committed to safeguarding the interests of tribal communities and would never implement any plan that harms them," Paatil said. Reacting to Paatil's comments, MLA Anant Patel demanded a clarification from the govt in writing. "Over 1 lakh people are going to be affected by the project and we will continue our campaign until the govt announces it officially in writing. They should declare in a white paper in Parliament that this project is not going to take place," said Anant Patel. Valsad BJP MP Dhaval Patel weighed in, labelling the Congress MLA's allegations "misinformation". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The BJP's assertion is that the Congress is attempting to instigate unrest among the local population by reviving a defunct project. "The scrapping of the project was announced by the govt in 2022 and no work is being done. Congress is losing elections in the region; hence, in search of support, they are misguiding tribals. This rally is being organized to save Congress's existence in this region," the Valsad MP said. The river linking project, which has been a contentious issue in the region, is seen by some as a potential boon for development, while others fear it could lead to environmental degradation and social disruption.
News18
a day ago
- News18
State disputes, study gaps stall Indias river-linking push: Parl panel
New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) India's flagship river interlinking programme, launched to tackle water scarcity, drought and floods, is struggling to move beyond the planning stage due to delays, inadequate studies and persistent disputes between states, a parliamentary panel has said. In its seventh report on the action taken by the government, the Standing Committee on Water Resources noted that while pre-feasibility studies have been completed for all 30 identified link projects under the National Perspective Plan and feasibility reports for 24, detailed project reports (DPRs) exist for only 11. Just one link — the Ken-Betwa project — is currently under implementation, with completion targeted for March 2030. Five links have been prioritised — Ken-Betwa, the Godavari-Cauvery link (three sub-links) and the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link. The committee said an amount of Rs 4,000 crore was allocated in 2024-25 for land acquisition, rehabilitation and state reimbursements, but consensus between states 'remains a persistent obstacle" despite 'numerous meetings" to address concerns. It urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti to undertake socio-economic, environmental and ecological benefit studies for more projects before DPR completion, arguing that this could help win state support and expedite work. 'The Committee, would therefore, reiterate their recommendation and again urge the department to conduct more studies evaluating the benefits of the projects, thereby enhancing awareness amongst the states concerned and expediting implementation of link projects under the programme," the report said. The panel also warned that under-utilisation of funds under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) could undermine its effectiveness. In 2023-24, the programme's budget was cut by 55.5 per cent at the revised estimates stage due to a lack of proposals from states. Thirty projects from earlier plan periods remain incomplete and the committee called for a 'more intense and dedicated approach" to ensure timely completion, particularly in border states prone to severe flooding. On floodplain encroachments, it said draft technical guidelines on zoning were circulated to states in 2024 but are yet to be finalised. It pressed for swift approval and strict enforcement to curb unregulated construction that worsens flood impacts. Dam safety was another major concern. The National Dam Safety Authority has filled only 32 of its 85 sanctioned posts, while state dam safety bodies face similar shortages. The report urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti to report back within three months on manpower gaps, completion of studies and progress in guideline enforcement. PTI UZM RC view comments First Published: August 11, 2025, 19:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
