KSSP warns Mission Samudra threatens traditional fishing livelihoods

Thrissur The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has urged the State government to reconsider Mission Samudra and the proposed Maritime Board Amendment Bill, warning that the initiatives could undermine traditional fishing livelihoods, facilitate corporate control over coastal resources and threaten fragile marine ecosystems. In a statement, KSSP general secretary V.

Manoj Kumar and president C. Ramakrishnan alleged that Mission Samudra, the State’s version of the Union government’s Blue Economy policy, sought to transform Keralam into a port-centric development hub through private participation.

The project envisages the development of 18 minor ports, improved connectivity with major ports such as Vizhinjam, Kochi and Vallarpadam, and the establishment of shipbuilding, repair and breaking facilities. Maritime tourism, a black sand corridor for mineral extraction and the development of Alappuzha as a Blue Economy hub are also proposed.