Fishers, farmers oppose Karaikal port expansion

Residents, fishermen and farmers from Karaikal and the neighboring Nagapattinam district opposed the proposed expansion of the Karaikal port and raised concerns over its impact on their livelihood, health and marine environment. They were taking part in a public hearing held at Thirumalairayan Pattinam on Wednesday, in which over 500 people participated.

The public hearing was conducted by the district administration and the Puducherry government’s Environment Department in the presence of Collector Ishita Rathi. Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd (KPPL), part of Adani Ports and Logistics, has proposed the expansion under its Master Plan Development.

According to the proposal, the existing cargo-handling capacity is 21.50 MMTPA, and the proposed expansion would add 78.8 MMTPA, taking the total capacity to 100.3 MMTPA. The Karaikal Port is located south-east of Vanjore village and falls under the Thirumalairayan Pattinam Commune Panchayat in Karaikal.

Fishermen said the expansion could further deplete fish stocks and degrade marine resources, forcing them to venture farther into the sea in search of fish, affecting their livelihood. Residents expressed concern that the expansion could further affect fishing communities through restricted sea access, reduced catch and income, and impacts on beaches, landing centres and fishing grounds.

P Kaliammal of AIADMK attributed pollution in ponds and other water resources to coal dust reportedly from the port. She also claimed the project could have impacts on Olive Ridley turtles, as the Karaikal shorelines serve as a nesting site for them. Kaliammal alleged that residents of villages near the port were not being given employment opportunities, except for jobs as sweepers. Another activist, Bilal, attributed reported sea erosion along the Karaikal coastline to the port’s expansion plans.