LDF seeks to galvanise coastal community against UDF’s proposed high-value economic maritime corridor
The LDF has raised the spectre of large-scale displacement of fisherfolk, including the lack of free access to the coastline and the loss of homes and traditional livelihoods
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has launched a campaign against the United Democratic Front (UDF) government's Mission Samudra Initiative (MSI), which aims to transform Kerala's 640 km coastline into a high-value maritime economic corridor. The LDF is concerned about the potential displacement of fisherfolk and the loss of traditional livelihoods, particularly among the coastal community dominated by Latin Catholics, Muslims, and Hindu Dheevara communities.
The LDF has compared MSI to the Central Government's Sagarmala Initiative, which also faced opposition due to fears of displacement and loss of livelihood. The CITU-led Matsya Thozhilali Federation has been instrumental in galvanising the coastal community against the UDF government, using the Kerala Maritime Board (Amendment) Bill as a rallying point.
The bill enables the creation of land banks near ports and harbours for corporate-backed commercial projects, raising concerns about the potential seizure of land from individuals and government departments for private investment.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
