The Vizhinjam International Seaport project, a collaborative effort between the Government of Kerala, which owns the port through the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), and the Adani Group, operating under the Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) has led to "severe human rights violations and environmental destruction", disproportionately affecting local fishing communities. The project has displaced thousands, destroyed traditional fishing grounds, and accelerated coastal erosion, threatening the livelihoods of fisherfolk.

Local communities have raised concerns over the "lack of free, prior, and informed consent", with many arguing that they were not adequately consulted before the project began. Protesters have repeatedly emphasized that “the sea is not just a livelihood but a way of life, now being taken away without consent.” Despite these concerns, construction has continued, exacerbating "biodiversity loss, pollution, and social unrest".

In August 2022, tensions escalated when fishing communities launched a two-week sit-in, demanding a halt to the project. Protestors reported that police used violence against demonstrators and that some people were harassed, detained, and face legal threats

The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre contacted Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited for a response to these allegations. A response was received from Vizhinjam Port Private Limited and can be found here. Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited did not respond.