Govt apathy delays getting ISPS code for Adani Port

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM :

Owing to the indifference of the State Government in providing the substitute one acre land for acquiring the plot owned by Vizhinjam diocese atthepremisesofAdaniPort,thePort Authorities are unable to complete thefencingworkaroundit.Asaresult, the Director General of Shipping has not given the international ship and port facility security (ISPS) code to the Adani Port as it is a must to start shippingservicefromaport.

For getting ISPS code, a port has to clear a set of criteria such as fencing works, signal system, CCTV camera installations etc. Except the fencing works, the port authority has completed all other works for getting the code. However, the code was denied due to the pending fencing works.

Two structures – an idol of Mary Matha and a holy cross – owned by Vizhinjam diocese are located inside the port premises and years ago the government had promised them a substitute piece of land for relocating these structures. However, nothing hasbeendonesofar.

With only a few more months remaining for the anchoring of the first mother ship from China at Vizhinjam International Seaport (most likely in September), the port authorities have expressed their concern as they cannot start shipping service without securing ISPCcode.

The Vizhinjam diocese has demanded an acre of land at Mullumukku, an area near the port, for relocating the structures. However,theGovernmenthasnotyet agreedtoit.