Kerala submits revised environment impact report on Vizhinjam Seaport

The Kerala government has submitted a revised report of environmental impact assessment study for the proposed Rs 4,000-crore international seaport project at Vizhinjam to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The 4,000-page report was the last stage in the effort to secure environmental clearance for the project, which was moving closer to reality, state ports minister K Babu said in a release today.

Around 700 people residing in the project site participated in the public hearing on the draft report, held by the ports department on June 29 last. A total of 236 memoranda were received from the people who made various suggestions and complaints, which were considered while preparing the revised report, he said, adding, the response from the people was overwhelming.

The revised report was prepared in a comprehensive manner in a period of two months taking into consideration all the proposals and complaints, he said. According to norms, the Union Environment Ministry has to take a decision on the report within 105 days. The minister said he expected a favourable decision from the ministry's expert appraisal committee on the report and give clearance for the project.