MEGAPROJECT: Vizhinjam Container Transshipment Terminal | Under Development

[ajithv]

Originally Posted by Tri Man

What does Mr.Selvaraj MLA say on this ? It is Neyyatinkara which is going to be most benefitted if this project gets implemented.

He already received his "benefits" , then why he should bother about this project.

[remobecks]

MLA,Jameela Prakasham stopped the approach road entry gate constructions citing it will help some resorts

[s_bose]

Originally Posted by dpkanu

The Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry has come out against the allegations that the Vizhinjam seaport project will destroy tourism potential in the region.


http://newindianexpress.com/cities/t...icle559836.ece

Nice to see that we do have a chamber of commerce and industry in our city and more importantly that they have raised their voice.

[shelly]

Originally Posted by s_bose

Nice to see that we do have a chamber of commerce and industry in our city and more importantly that they have raised their voice.

+100

[vinod/kakka]

Originally Posted by Tri Man

What does Mr.Selvaraj MLA say on this ? It is Neyyatinkara which is going to be most benefitted if this project gets implemented.

Great to see the voices of Jameela Prakashan and Sivankutty, not just in this project, but any that affects Trivandrum

[ajithv]

Source: Kerala Kaumudi

[regiwilson]

Originally Posted by vinod/kakka

Great to see the voices of Jameela Prakashan and Sivankutty, not just in this project, but any that affects Trivandrum

???

[ajithv]

Source

[MrMagic]

Welspun scales down grant demand

The consortium led by Welspun Infratech Limited (India) has reduced its grant demand for taking up the port operator’s role at the proposed Vizhinjam International Transhipment Terminal from the originally quoted sum of Rs.479.54 crore to Rs.399.50 crore. This new offer from the consortium reached the government on Saturday, a top official said.

Parvez Umrigar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Welspun Infratech, and Vineet Mittal, Managing Director of Welspun Energy Limited, had had discussions with the State government’s negotiation committee here earlier in the week. The offer is the outcome of the discussions.

The Welspun consortium is the only bidder for the port operator’s role. Because of the demand for the grant, there were two opinions in the government whether to accept the consortium’s bid, or go for re-tender trying to get more bids for a comparison of costs.

[MrMagic]

Related news, with some mention of Vizhinjam

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/...ue&ref=wl_home

Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that the Shipping Ministry has promised to take the necessary steps for relaxing the Cabotage law at the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) in Vallarpadam.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Federation of Indian Export Organistions, Kerala chapter, in Kochi on Saturday.
The Chief Minister said that he had held a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard.

"The Prime Minister said that the necessary steps would be taken for easing the Cabotage law. The Shipping Ministry has also assured that relaxations would be made at the earliest," Chandy said.
He said that Centre aid has been given for the development of the Azhikkal Port and the Vallarpadam terminal.
"The state is looking forward to funds from the Centre for the Vizhinjam Port as well. Apart from these major three, small ports will also be developed across the state," Chandy said.
Chandy opined that state has not fully utilised coastal transportation.
"We could only tap 10 percentage of the state's coastal transportation potential. But the government will take necessary action to tap its full potential," he added.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies KV Thomas said that export of the commodities in the country is increasing each year.
He added that a more practical approach regarding export and import would lead to more growth in the sector.
"We, political leaders, often frame decisions on the basis of vote banks just to win the next election. So we are handcuffed from taking harsh decisions," he said.
Anup K Pujari, Director General of Foreign Trade, said that a whopping increase is noted in the commodity export.
"There should be stability in the export of all commodities," he said.
He added that as far as cashew and areca nut are concerned many are importing these commodities and are bringing them into the domestic market.
This has affected the price of these commodities.
"We have taken action to control such activities by increasing the import duties on the these commodities," Anup said.

[ajithv]

Concern over environmental impact of Vizhinjam project

Fisheries expert and marine scientist Sanjeeva Ghosh has demanded core changes to the project report for the proposed seaport at Vizhinjam, warning that the construction activities for the port would impact on the marine ecosystem and the livelihood of the fishing community and pose a serious setback to beach tourism.

Pointing out that the project would lead to significant shoreline changes in the area, Mr. Ghosh, former Additional Director of Fisheries, Kerala, demanded a scientific and technical review of the proposal.

In a letter to the Member Secretary, Expert Appraisal Committee for CRZ (coastal regulation zone) projects, he said the construction of the seaport would alter the natural geography of the coast and affect the marine ecosystem along the coast of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, affecting over 100,000 fishermen.

“The impact will be felt on a highly marginalised and low income community. The destruction of marine resources is unavoidable and irreversible.” He said it would also affect the thriving beach resorts, hotels and tourist facilities in the Kovalam, Vizhinjam and Poovar areas.

Biodiversity

Citing geographical studies, the letter pointed out that construction activities involving underwater rock blasting, dredging, sand mining and reclamation could affect the narrow continental shelf, resulting in changes in the direction of waves and ocean tides. This in turn would affect the marine wealth and the coastal areas in Thiruvananthapuram and neighbouring districts.

Dr. Ghosh said environmental experts had warned about the impact of the port on the biodiversity of the Wedge Bank, 45 to 60 km off the Vizhinjam coast. “The largest coral reef in the Indian ocean, the Wedge Bank is the breeding ground for more than 200 varieties of fish. It is also home to more than 60 species of ornamental fishes and oceanic animals. The construction works for the port will destroy the habitat.”

The letter observed that the construction of the proposed port would lead to accelerated erosion of the beaches on the northern side including the Kovalam international tourist destination. The area southward up to Poovar is likely to be become unusable due to enhanced accretion of sand. Considering that the affected areas are mainly fishing villages and tourist destinations, the local economy could take a big hit, he warned. “The erosion and accretion in and around fishing harbours, river bunds and sea walls in Kerala has been established by scientists studying the phenomenon..

He also called for an assessment of the economic value of the tourism industry in the region.

[SajithVijayan]

Originally Posted by ajithv

Concern over environmental impact of Vizhinjam project


“The impact will be felt on a highly marginalised and low income community. The destruction of marine resources is unavoidable and irreversible.” He said it would also affect the thriving beach resorts, hotels and tourist facilities in the Kovalam, Vizhinjam and Poovar areas.

Intention is pretty clear..

[srammachoo]

Sanjeeva Ghosh... Ivane okke vedi vech kollanam.
In my weirdest of dreams I did not think that Bengali's would also be against Vizhinjam.

[Kannan46]

It is also possible that these experts are paid heavily by those parties with vested interests. They stress upon matters like the livelihood of 100,000 fishermen which can create panic and impede the onward progress of the projects. It is strange that there is not a line on the positive side like employment generation for the local population bulk of which is fishermen community and the economic development of the region.

It is important to note that Mr Ghosh does not compare Vizhinjam with other transhipment hubs in the world like Dubai, Singapore, Amsterdam etc. Are these problems of Vizhinjam unique and not a concern for these successful ports? We have to remember that the economy of these cities have a lot to do wirh the successful operation of these ports.

The Govt or the concerned project authority should put experts to counter these arguments contained in these bad reports and highlight the positive effects.

Also why Mr Ghosh is silent on the negative impacts of these resorts resulting in environmental degradation due to improper waste disposal and other harmful actions on the part of the owners of these resorts.

Tears and fears !!!

[Tri Man]

Originally Posted by ajithv

Concern over environmental impact of Vizhinjam project

Fisheries expert and marine scientist Sanjeeva Ghosh has demanded core changes to the project report for the proposed seaport at Vizhinjam, warning that the construction activities for the port would impact on the marine ecosystem and the livelihood of the fishing community and pose a serious setback to beach tourism.

Pointing out that the project would lead to significant shoreline changes in the area, Mr. Ghosh, former Additional Director of Fisheries, Kerala, demanded a scientific and technical review of the proposal.

In a letter to the Member Secretary, Expert Appraisal Committee for CRZ (coastal regulation zone) projects, he said the construction of the seaport would alter the natural geography of the coast and affect the marine ecosystem along the coast of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, affecting over 100,000 fishermen.

“The impact will be felt on a highly marginalised and low income community. The destruction of marine resources is unavoidable and irreversible.” He said it would also affect the thriving beach resorts, hotels and tourist facilities in the Kovalam, Vizhinjam and Poovar areas.

Biodiversity

Citing geographical studies, the letter pointed out that construction activities involving underwater rock blasting, dredging, sand mining and reclamation could affect the narrow continental shelf, resulting in changes in the direction of waves and ocean tides. This in turn would affect the marine wealth and the coastal areas in Thiruvananthapuram and neighbouring districts.

Dr. Ghosh said environmental experts had warned about the impact of the port on the biodiversity of the Wedge Bank, 45 to 60 km off the Vizhinjam coast. “The largest coral reef in the Indian ocean, the Wedge Bank is the breeding ground for more than 200 varieties of fish. It is also home to more than 60 species of ornamental fishes and oceanic animals. The construction works for the port will destroy the habitat.”

The letter observed that the construction of the proposed port would lead to accelerated erosion of the beaches on the northern side including the Kovalam international tourist destination. The area southward up to Poovar is likely to be become unusable due to enhanced accretion of sand. Considering that the affected areas are mainly fishing villages and tourist destinations, the local economy could take a big hit, he warned. “The erosion and accretion in and around fishing harbours, river bunds and sea walls in Kerala has been established by scientists studying the phenomenon..

He also called for an assessment of the economic value of the tourism industry in the region.

Hope he didn't consider the 3 Lakh + direct and Indirect jobs that would have bettered the household income of the local fishermen folk.

More fisherment can start exporting operation.
Atleast some of them can start hotel business and the Vizhinjam fishmarket itself will boom as it has to feed atleast 5000 people working in various departments in the Port.
The real estate,house rental,....etc will boom,which will raise the income of people living nearby.

Similar allegations were made when Technopark came into existance.Current study proves that technopark has bettered the life of neighbours in a big way.

Social Impact study should be conducted by some social body rather than Mr.Ghosh who is a technical guy.

Multi Dimensional Socio-Economic & Cultural Impact on the society as a whole should be studied.Study should focus on Before and After(projected) as well as a study on how the society will transform over decades to come.

I fear that Mr.Ghosh has enimity towards the people of Vizhinjam by publishing such unscientific reports.

If vizhinjam is affecting the livelyhood of people,a study has to be conducted in other ports as well to prove the contarary.
All the affected ports should be shut down.

[chandrurajan]

Originally Posted by srammachoo

Sanjeeva Ghosh... Ivane okke vedi vech kollanam.
In my weirdest of dreams I did not think that Bengali's would also be against Vizhinjam.

Why blame Bengali's?

Evan nalla Malayalee from Trivandrum

Whatever published in newspaper is nothing compared to the report he has submitted to the VISL authorities, athum vedupayittu malayalathil, english paribasha verae.

[chandrurajan]

Janapaksham will be holding a General Body meeting on coming Sunday [07/12/2012] to review people campaign plan to counter the allegations like environmental impact, adverse impact on tourism and others.

Those who are ready to be part o this please PM

[prakmrao]

Originally Posted by ajithv

Concern over environmental impact of Vizhinjam project

Fisheries expert and marine scientist Sanjeeva Ghosh has demanded core changes to the project report for the proposed seaport at Vizhinjam, warning that the construction activities for the port would impact on the marine ecosystem and the livelihood of the fishing community and pose a serious setback to beach tourism.

Pointing out that the project would lead to significant shoreline changes in the area, Mr. Ghosh, former Additional Director of Fisheries, Kerala, demanded a scientific and technical review of the proposal.

In a letter to the Member Secretary, Expert Appraisal Committee for CRZ (coastal regulation zone) projects, he said the construction of the seaport would alter the natural geography of the coast and affect the marine ecosystem along the coast of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, affecting over 100,000 fishermen.

“The impact will be felt on a highly marginalised and low income community. The destruction of marine resources is unavoidable and irreversible.” He said it would also affect the thriving beach resorts, hotels and tourist facilities in the Kovalam, Vizhinjam and Poovar areas.

Biodiversity

Citing geographical studies, the letter pointed out that construction activities involving underwater rock blasting, dredging, sand mining and reclamation could affect the narrow continental shelf, resulting in changes in the direction of waves and ocean tides. This in turn would affect the marine wealth and the coastal areas in Thiruvananthapuram and neighbouring districts.

Dr. Ghosh said environmental experts had warned about the impact of the port on the biodiversity of the Wedge Bank, 45 to 60 km off the Vizhinjam coast. “The largest coral reef in the Indian ocean, the Wedge Bank is the breeding ground for more than 200 varieties of fish. It is also home to more than 60 species of ornamental fishes and oceanic animals. The construction works for the port will destroy the habitat.”

The letter observed that the construction of the proposed port would lead to accelerated erosion of the beaches on the northern side including the Kovalam international tourist destination. The area southward up to Poovar is likely to be become unusable due to enhanced accretion of sand. Considering that the affected areas are mainly fishing villages and tourist destinations, the local economy could take a big hit, he warned. “The erosion and accretion in and around fishing harbours, river bunds and sea walls in Kerala has been established by scientists studying the phenomenon..

He also called for an assessment of the economic value of the tourism industry in the region.

It is foolish to expect no impacts when such a large marine construction project is executed. But, Mr. Ghosh has not said anything new and there is no need to overreact. All these possible impacts have already been identified in the Scoping Document for ESIA study by VISL in AUgust 2010 itself. MoEF has also insisted upon study of all these impacts in its approval for Terms of Refrence for EIA studies. They are available in VISL website.

The VISL's ESIA Consultants have to study the mentioned impatcs and come up with mitigation measures recommendations acceptable to the affected parties/community. Kearala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB)will call for a Public Hearing/Consultation (PHC) giving one month Notice after VISL submits the draft ESIA document to KSPCB.

The final ESIA document incorporating comments during the PHC will then be submitted to MoEF for final review and grant of Environmental Clearance. After this work will commence.

[ananthapuri]

Here is Another Big PAARA

തിരു: വിഴിഞ്ഞം അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര തുറമുഖനിര്*മാണവുമായി ഉണ്ടായിരിക്കുന്ന അനിശ്ചിതാവസ്ഥയ്ക്ക് പരിഹാരമുണ്ടാക്കാന്* സര്*ക്കാര്* ഉടന്* കേന്ദ്ര ഷിപ്പിങ് കോര്*പറേഷനെ സമീപിക്കുകയാണ് വേണ്ടതെന്ന് കേരള കോണ്*ഗ്രസ് നേതാവും മുന്*മന്ത്രിയുമായ വി സുരേന്ദ്രന്*പിള്ള പ്രസ്താവനയില്* പറഞ്ഞു. സര്*ക്കാരിനെ മുള്*മുനയില്* നിര്*ത്തി വെല്*സ്പെണ്* കമ്പനി കാര്യം സാധിച്ചെടുക്കാന്* നടത്തുന്ന ശ്രമങ്ങള്* തിരിച്ചറിയണം. 479 കോടി രൂപ ഗ്രാന്റായി നല്*കണമെന്ന് ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ട കമ്പനി ഇപ്പോള്* 100 കോടി കുറയ്ക്കാമെന്നു പറയുന്നു. ഇത് കബളിപ്പിക്കലാണ്. സര്*ക്കാര്* ഇതിനു കൂട്ടുനില്*ക്കാതെ കേന്ദ്രസര്*ക്കാര്* സ്ഥാപനമായ ഷിപ്പിങ് കോര്*പറേഷന്* ഓഫ് ഇന്ത്യയെ സമീപിക്കണം. മുന്* സര്*ക്കാരിന്റെ കാലത്ത് ഷിപ്പിങ് കോര്*പറേഷന്* സജീവമായി വിഴിഞ്ഞം പദ്ധതിക്കായി മുന്നോട്ടുവന്നിരുന്നു. എന്നാല്*, ടെന്*ഡര്* നടപടികളില്* പങ്കെടുക്കാന്* എന്തുകൊണ്ടോ അവര്* താല്*പ്പര്യം കാണിച്ചില്ല. രണ്ട് ടെന്*ഡര്* ലഭിച്ചപ്പോള്* രണ്ടിനും സുരക്ഷാ അനുമതിക്കായി സര്*ക്കാര്* ശ്രമിക്കാതെ ഒന്നിനു കിട്ടിയപ്പോള്* അതുമായി മാത്രം മുന്നോട്ടുപോകുന്നതില്* ദുരൂഹതയുണ്ട്. ഇന്ത്യന്* കമ്പനിയായ മുദ്രാ പോര്*ട്സിന് എന്തുകൊണ്ട് പൂര്*ണമായ സുരക്ഷാ അനുമതി ലഭിച്ചില്ലെന്ന കാര്യം പരിശോധിക്കണം. പുനഃപരിശോധന ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടാല്* രണ്ടാമത്തെ കമ്പനിക്കും സുരക്ഷാ അനുമതി ലഭിക്കാം. അല്ലാതെയുള്ള തീരുമാനങ്ങള്* ഒന്നുകില്* ഇനിയും വൈകും അല്ലെങ്കില്* കനത്ത നഷ്ടവും ഉണ്ടാകുമെന്ന് സുരേന്ദ്രന്*പിള്ള പറഞ്ഞു.
http://www.deshabhimani.com/newscontent.php?id=175510
Posted on: 09-Jul-2012 09:50 AM

[Kannan46]

Vizhinjam tender back on table

Source: http://www.portstrategy.com/news101/...k-on-the-table

Note - The news dated 18 th July, but I am not sure whether the contents are updated.

Cheers!!!