Fishermen stage demonstration at Enayam against hydrocarbon project

Fishermen associations on Saturday staged a demonstration in Enayam, opposing the proposed deep sea hydrocarbon project off the Kanniyakumari coast.

In a show of solidarity with the fishermen, Killiyoor MLA S. Rajesh Kumar and Volavancode MLA Tharahai Cuthbert took part in the demonstration and addressed the gathering.

The MLA said the three sites in Kanniyakumari district, which included Wadge bank, an area rich in fishery resources, had been selected for the proposed deep sea oil and natural gas extraction project. The exploration at Wadge bank, which spans around 10,000 sq.km off the Kanniyakumari coast, would not only endanger the livelihood of fishermen but also severely impact the marine environment. Although a DPR had not yet been prepared, bids had been invited for the project.

Stressing the urgency of the issue, he called for continued protests until the project was completely revoked.

Referring to the police firing at anti-Sterlite protesters, he said, “If a similar situation arises here, I am ready to stand at the front and face the bullets.”

Members of the Coastal Peace Development Committee and various other associations took part in the demonstrations, highlighting the serious consequences in implementing the deep sea hydrocarbon project in the region.