Despite the opposition of Chellanam residents, the government has decided to move forward with the Punargeham rehabilitation project, and the department of fisheries has started classifying land to execute the project.

The department invited applications from people who are ready to provide their land to build the apartment complex to restore who opted for the project. The plan is to get nearly 50 cents in Chellanam panchayat for the development of the flat.

The land should not disrupt any Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, and before August 13, landowners interested must submit their applications, including the necessary land records to the fisheries deputy director. For further details, interested people can reach 04842394476.

The purpose of the project is to provide a safe housing facility to each fishery family. Particularly people residing within 50 metres of the tidal area, exposed to sea erosion.

However, many residents are still not in favour of the project, and many started opposing it. According to them, terms and conditions for carrying out the project are similar to the forced removal of fishermen from their lands.

On the other side, a group of residents staged a sleep protest under the banner of Chellanan Janakiya Vedi before the office of fishery deputy director against the ineffectiveness of the government in solving the sea erosion problem.

Jackson Pollayil, president of Kerala Swathantra Matsyathozhilali Federation, inaugurated this sleep protest.

Image Source

---

Also read: Slum redevelopment on Mumbai airport land gets state govt approval