The fishing communities and coastal dwellers in Kerala have intensified their struggle against the attempt to utilize Government of India’s Tsunami Rehabilitation fund for building tourism infrastructure. The representatives of people living in the coastal areas, such as Tsunami Rehabilitation Action Council, Fish Workers Federation, Kerala Tourism Watch, Janamunnettam and various other organizations have criticized the Tourism Department’s decision to implement what is called 'Ente Theeram' project for tourism development using substantial chunk from the Rs 1441.75 crore sanctioned for the Tsunami Rehabilitation Project by the Union Government.

It is clear that implementing the tourism project by using the funds meant for rehabilitation is a clear case of unlawful diversion of Government funds. Moreover, the decision itself was taken without consultation with coastal inhabitants and those who are affected by Tsunami and will mostly be implemented in regions where Tsunami did not occur.

T Peter, President of Fish Workers Union, speaking before a sit-in in front of the State Secretariat said that the guidelines of Planning Commission are violated in the process. It was pointed out that the Planning Commission clearly states that the fund should be used only for rehabilitation of damaged beach resorts, roads, landscapes and tourist complexes. However, the sites proposed for “Ente Theeram” Project under Tsunami Rehabilitation are not villages or townships damaged by the disaster.