Muthalapozhy to have a modern fishing harbour by 2027, dredging to be expedited

The state government would build a modern port in Muthalapozhy, an important fishing landing center 26 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram.

Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian said Wednesday that the Government would open the new port to fishermen in 2027. Construction work will begin on Thursday.

Previously, he presided over a meeting of interested parties with representatives of the important fishing community that worried about the alleged slow progress in the dredging of the submerged sand bank, which has made the sea in the dangers of entry of the estuary.

Currents in conflict

For months, fishermen have found dangerous navigating the mouth of the port. They complain that the sand bank drastically reduced its depth, causing strong currents and conflicting swirls powerful enough to attract boats to the vortex of matter.

According to government figures, at least 14 fishermen died, and several were seriously injured in up to 150 accidents in Muthalapozhy from 2022. The Lakhs of fishing equipment rupees, including boats and networks, were also lost in the sea.

The port of Muthalapozhy, located on the picturesque coast, where the Vamanapuram River meets the Arabic Sea, supports hundreds of traditional fishermen families, provides anchor for a significant number of fishing boats and is one of the main fish.

The fishermen told the minister that the situation had so serious in recent months that local fish have moved their ships to other fish landing centers, the local economy.

They lie inactive

According to fishermen, up to 177 sailor fishing boats are inactive in Muthalapozhy, exacerbating inosple and the cost of the living crisis.

Mr. Cherian then told reporters that the government accelerated the dredging of the mouth of the port. He said the government has increased daily from 10 to 20 hours.

The Administration has commanded the services of Chandragiri Dredger of the Kerala Maritime Board to accelerate the disappointment operation. He has also hired Six Dragares of Hitachi Long Boom to help the operation.

Mr. Cherian also said that the Government would open the sand bars formed in the coastal towns of Vakkom, Chirayankehu, Kadakkavoor, Anchuthengu, Azhoor and Kadinamkulam. He said that sand banks were the main cause of tides and floods in adjacent locations and areas, killing the monsoon.

The Government has channeled the operating funds of the State Disaster Management Authority.