Vizhinjam hits stumbling block

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has been asked to have a relook at other sites originally considered for the Vizhinjam project. Details such as the financial implications of dredging, impact on fisheries and satellite maps of the suitable sites should be submitted. At its earlier meetings, the committee had made it abundantly clear that it was not satisfied with the site selected for the approximately Rs 6,000crore multipurpose container terminal project.With the MoEF committee clarifying its position on the issue, it is obvious that the project will be delayed further. During the LDF tenure, the committee had rejected the state's application for clearing the ToR twice in January and in May.But the new Government had announced within days of its assuming office that the ToR application was cleared, but it had not gone into the details.In January, the committee observed thus: ''The committee observed that the proposal was still at the conceptual stage and that the proponent must submit a concretised, firm and implementable proposal for further consideration in respect of issue of additional ToR.''In its May 11-12 meeting, the committee pointed out that the project could hamper the fish wealth in the area, affecting the livelihood of the local people. It had also repeated its observation that the technoeconomic feasibility study for the Vizhinjam project should be conducted afresh, since the ports in its proximity -Colombo, Tuticorin, Chennai and Colachal- could give it tough competition.