Thiruvananthapuram

The Latin Church on Sunday issued a pastoral letter warning the Kerala government not to go ahead with the proposed Vizhinjam Port in its current form as the project will pose a threat to the local fishing community.

The letter, which was read out in all Latin Church in the state capital, said the project would affect the livelihood of 32 fishing villages and around 50,000 people.

The pastoral letter, issued by Archbishop M. Soosaipakiam on behalf of the Latin Archdiocese, also demanded that the government announce a rehabilitation package for the affected villagers.

The letter came ahead of the August 17 signing of an agreement with Adani Ports for building the port near the famed tourist destination Kovalam here.

The first phase of the project will cost Rs.4,000 crore.

IANS