THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked fishermen to withdraw from the ongoing strike immediately related to the Vizhinjam port project. The chief minister said this while responding to Kadakampally Surendran’s submission in the Assembly.

“The government is not opposed to considering any reasonable demand other than the demand to stop construction of the port. Apart from the demands raised by the protestors, the government will also consider any other local concerns and issues. Should immediately withdraw from the strike.

The community of fishermen is facing many problems and challenges. Therefore, the government is giving top priority to the problems in the coastal zone. The fishermen will not be relocated for the port project.

Studies say that coastal erosion has nothing to do with the construction of the Vizhinjam port. The government will appoint an expert committee to study the issues and submit a report considering the concerns raised by the fishermen. The committee will be directed to submit an interim report within three months. Necessary action will be taken once the report is obtained.

The government had announced Rs 5,300 crore worth of projects in the 2021-22 budget for coastal protection in the state. As part of this, the first phase of work has been completed on the Chellanam coast. Steps to protect the coast with the help of modern technology are taken. Coast protection will be implemented with local participation, with the help of technology and through consultations,’ the chief minister said.