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Protect Kerala's Coast, Tourism, Fishermen, and Sacred Ritual Sites from Unchecked Port Ex

Protect Kerala's Coast, Tourism, Fishermen, and Sacred Ritual Sites from Unchecked Port Ex

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This petition has been created by People P. and may not represent the views of the Avaaz community.
People P.
started this petition to
Chief Minister of Kerala ,Ministry of Environment, Coastal Zone Management Authority
We, the residents, tourism stakeholders, fishermen, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens of Kerala, call upon the Government of Kerala and relevant authorities to immediately address the growing environmental, cultural, and livelihood concerns arising from the ongoing and proposed expansion of Vizhinjam Port.

Recent reports indicate that Vizhinjam Port has become a highly valuable international asset, attracting interest from global investors. While economic development is important, it must not come at the expense of coastal communities, traditional livelihoods, tourism, and cultural heritage.

We are deeply concerned about:

* Large-scale dredging and future expansion activities.
* Accelerating coastal erosion along vulnerable stretches of the coast.
* Threats to marine ecosystems, fish breeding and hatching grounds between Kovalam and Pozhiyoor.
* Negative impacts on Kerala's internationally renowned tourism industry, including resorts, hotels, homestays, Ayurveda centres, and local businesses.
* Loss of livelihoods for traditional fishing communities.
* Potential damage to culturally and spiritually significant sites such as Balikadavu, where generations of families perform ancestral and religious rituals.
* Lack of meaningful consultation with affected local communities before major expansion decisions.

We are not against development.

We support development that is environmentally responsible, socially just, and respectful of Kerala's coastal heritage.

Therefore, we demand:

1. An independent scientific study on the cumulative impacts of dredging, breakwater expansion, and future port development.
2. Protection of marine breeding grounds and fishing livelihoods.
3. Protection and preservation of Balikadavu and other traditional ritual and cultural sites.
4. A comprehensive assessment of the impact on tourism and coastal businesses.
5. Full transparency regarding future ownership changes, expansion plans, and environmental impacts.
6. Meaningful public consultation with fishermen, tourism stakeholders, local residents, religious leaders, and environmental experts.
7. Creation of a Coastal Community Protection and Development Fund financed through port-related revenues.

Kerala's coast is more than a commercial corridor. It is home to vibrant communities, sacred traditions, unique ecosystems, and a tourism industry that supports thousands of families.

Development must benefit people, not displace them.

Stand with Kerala's coastal communities. Protect our sea, our livelihoods, our tourism, and our sacred traditions before irreversible damage is done
Jerome Das                               AK Hari Kumar
President          Secretary .



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