Contrary to the fears that Enayam port will lead to loss of livelihood of fishermen, it will open new avenues before them by imparting training in various methods of aquaculture; it will also generate 4K jobs for both skilled and unskilled workforce in the locality
Coming to the fisherman families in Enayam area fearing relocation, Union minister of State for Ports Pon Radhakrishnan has already made it clear that the port would be developed entirely on reclaimed land in sea and a fishing harbour would developed in the region. Just about 112 hectares of land is to be acquired, which again is only for providing road and rail connectivity. People have the apprehension of loss of access to beach stretches to eight fishing villages from Kodimunai to Muloorthurai (8 km) as they fear that they may be permanently lost due to reclamation and will be inaccessible for fishermen. However, the proposed port layout does not cover those areas. Rather there is a proposal to augment the beach stretches by the establishment of a new scientific fish landing facility adjacent the proposed new port. This would address the fear of fishermen that their livelihood will be affected.
In addition, alternative and additional livelihood options such as sea cage culture of both fin fishes and lobsters (fattening) and sea weed culture can be made available. The fishermen community can also be trained in backyard hatchery production of food fishes, mud crabs, ornamental fishes and brooder and nauplius banks. Also, post-harvest infrastructure development such as cold storage and processing plants would also be undertaken where the excess catch of fishermen can be stored for fetching better price subsequently. This can promote exports and increase foreign exchange earnings.
It is also apprehended that the reclamation of land on the seaside will lead to sea erosion and thereby cause destruction of beach in the adjacent villages. It is suggested that the beach erosion can be nullified or minimised by adopting the recent technologies on shore protection and beach nourishment process developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, and other research institutions. Beach nourishment essentially involves establishment of natural geo-tubes or such other mechanisms that would improve the beach area and protect fishing. A similar technology is already in implementation in many areas, including the Puducherry coast.
Similarly, it is apprehended that the development of ports, shipping operations and oil spillage might increase turbidity in the nearby marine area leading to a decrease in fish catch, which in turn will reduce the income of the fishermen living along the coast. But any oil spill due to port activity will be minimal as modern container vessels do not encourage heavy oil or crude oil; they opt for light oil instead.
Vizag model
Those who fear loss of livelihood should look at the Vizag example. When the Outer Harbour Project of Vizag port was developed, as promised by the Centre, the Visakhapatnam fishing harbour adjacent to the outer harbour was commissioned in 1978. With an initial investment of `446 lakh, the harbour was developed with 11 finger jetties, enclosing a tranquil basin of 24 hectares. It can accommodate up to 600 mechanised boats. After the development of the harbour in three phases, now it has modern storage facilities, marketing yard, auction hall and slipway complex facility. With the thrust on improving sanitation and hygiene, export has been given a boost. Similar is the growth story in Paradeep Port of Odisha and in Chennai Port. Chennai Fisheries Harbour is one of the major mechanised fisheries harbours in India and occupies a predominant place in marine fish production of Tamil Nadu. Colachal is a sustainable harbour. The addition of a fishing harbour in the Enayam region would boost the fishing activity to a great extent.
While fishermen fear displacement of families, the approach in Enayam would be towards creation of more amenities such as accessibility, underground cable for lighting and solar-self generation of electricity, advanced schooling systems, including village knowledge centre and other recreational facilities, under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of the port activities. The CSR activities should be for improving the way of living of people of Enayam and villages in the 2 km radii in sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism, common infrastructure facilities, educational and medical facilities, sanitation and waste water treatment and solid waste management. The CSR activities should also be planned to achieve environmental standards. A full comprehensive Environmental Social Impact Assessment Study should be carried out in further project development stages, as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Job creation
By offering efficient and cost effective services, Enayam port would promote EXIM trade in the region. This could trigger development of a new set of industries and opportunities. For, the East Coast Economic Corridor from Kolkata to Chennai is likely to be extended up to Kanniyakumari due to the initiatives taken by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The proposed doubling of the railway line from Chennai-Kanniyakumari, SEZ at Nanguneri and Industrial Corridor between Madurai and Thoothukudi will enhance the industrialisation of Kanniyakumari district. Besides, the mainline cargo generating industries, ancillary industries to support shipping activities, ship related services such as bunkering and marine workshops would follow. The recent initiatives of the Government of India namely Make in India and Startup India would encourage setting up of MSMEs and industrial parks in the region.
Further, it will provide opportunities for transport/truck operators, establishment of storage facilities like godowns, warehouses and stack yards. It would directly and indirectly create 4,000 job opportunities for the local skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workforce during the construction and operation phases of the project.
In the long run, the port will act as a catalyst for the development of port based industries such as thermal power stations, petrochemicals, refineries, agro industries among others, leading to industrialisation of the region and consequent spurt in other commercial economic activities and opportunities.
During the preparation of the Techno Economic Feasibility Report, a Spanish consultant did an exhaustive study of the region to select the most optimal site for port development. After considering various factors such as availability of natural depth, stable coast, accessibility and manoeuvrability, environment and social issues, ease of construction and expansion, hinterland connectivity, rail and road connectivity, land availability and impact of tourism and housing, Enayam emerged as the suitable location. Its strategic and economic objectives make it a must-have port in the southern tip of the nation.
The author is Director(Finance), Ministry of Shipping. Views expressed are personal(Concluded)