KOCHI: The High Court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation seeking a directive to the state government to demolish the mini barge load-out facility constructed by Adani Vizhinjam Ports Ltd (AVPPL) at Muthalapozhi fishing harbour in Thiruvananthapuram. In his petition, S Dileep of Thiruvananthapuram had alleged that the AVPPL constructed load-out facility violated the provisions of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2019.
The petitioner argued that the area comes under CRZ 1 category and constructions could be done only with prior Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) permission. However, the AVPPL counsel, advocate Roshen D Alexander, submitted that the Vizhinjam seaport project required at least 70 lakh tons of rocks and Messrs Adani had requested to build a load-out facility at Muthalapozhi for rocks needed for the Vizhinjam port.
He said that the CRZ clearance had been obtained following a study. In its order, the Bench found no illegality in the work being carried out by Adani ports as the competent authority had already issued a CRZ clearance. The court also observed that the dredging work done prior to the grant of clearance was necessary for the safety of the fishing community there.