Fishermen Forum to meet Kerala CM, Shipping Ministry over port expansion

Panaji, May 23 (IANS) The National Fish workers Forum (NFF) would submit a memorandum to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Shipping Ministry to immediately stop port expansion plans in Kerala, where nearly 400 families have been displaced because of sea erosion due to dredging of Vizhinjan seaport.NFF General Secretary Olencio Simoes, speaking to IANS, said that fishermen from Goa would also face the same situation like Kerala if the Sagarmala Project is not scrapped.Politicians along with the fishermen community and a section of society have opposed the 'Sagarmala Project' proposed in the state. However, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is of the opinion that the Sagarmala project will benefit Goans by enhancing opportunities."We will meet concerned Union Ministers in Delhi in order to pass the Coastal Rights Bill to protect the livelihood of people engaged in fishing activities," he said.NFF with the movement of "Machhimar Sangharsh Yatra" has started to meet fishermen from coastal states of India. Recently they visited fishermen from Kerala and heard their problems.He said that the fourth 'Machhimar Sangharsh Yatra' will be held in Goa on June 16 and 17.
--IANS
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