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Government urged to shift port project

Special Correspondent

It will be a threat to coastal villages, says Narayanasamy MP "Present site is a vibrant fishing zone and fishermen will lose livelihood"

Puducherry: All India Congress Committee general secretary V. Narayanasamy MP has protested against the Government' initiative to set up a new port at Thengaithittu, and urged it to shift the project to some other area on the coastline here.

Addressing newsmen here on Wednesday, Mr. Narayanasamy said that the project would require 140 acres of fertile farmlands. The residents of Thengaithittu and those in its vicinity had revolted against the project. The present site was a vibrant fishing zone and fishermen would lose their sources of livelihood.

He pointed out that no project should be implemented at the cost of farmers. Asked if he would take up the issue with Sonia Gandhi, he said that he would not hesitate to do so.

The sub-soil water would be affected, as the port would draw out large quantum of water.

The Union Environment Ministry had not approved of the project and in these circumstances, it would be unwise to launch it, he said.

Mr. Narayanasamy called upon the administration to convene a joint meeting of all political parties to evolve a strategy, as had been done by the Tamil Nadu Government in the final award of apportioning seven tmcft of Cauvery water for Karaikal.

There should be a full review and all modalities required for assured availability water should be discussed at the meeting of political parties.

He also wanted a close watch on the security of the coastal zone in Puducherry and Karaikal regions, particularly with the reports of increased LTTE movement coming in every other day.

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