A Major Fishing Landing Centre
Muthalapozhy, a coastal town 26 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram, has been chosen by the State government to construct a modern harbour. The harbour will cater to the needs of hundreds of traditional fisherfolk families, provide anchorage for a significant number of fishing boats, and serve as one of the leading fish landing centres in southern Kerala.
Challenges Faced by Fishers
The construction of the modern harbour comes at a time when the existing harbour at Muthalapozhy is facing several challenges. The submerged sandbar at the harbour mouth has rendered the sea at the estuary’s inlet dangerously choppy for fishing boats and their crews. Fishers have reported that the sandbar drastically reduced its depth, triggering strong conflicting currents and eddies powerful enough to draw boats into its vortex.
- At least 14 fishers died, and several were seriously injured in as many as 150 accidents at Muthalapozhy since 2022.
- Lakhs of rupees of fishing gear, including boats and nets, were also lost to the sea.
- Fishers have reported that the situation has become so dire in recent months that local fishers have moved their boats to other fish landing centres, weakening the local economy.
The situation at Muthalapozhy harbour is so dire that the local fishers have been forced to move their boats to other fish landing centres, weakening the local economy. This has resulted in a significant loss of employment opportunities and has exacerbated the cost of living crisis.
Government’s Initiatives
The government has taken several initiatives to address the challenges faced by the fishers at Muthalapozhy harbour. The Fisheries Minister, Saji Cherian, has stated that the government will open the new harbour to fishers in 2027. Construction work on the new harbour is expected to commence on Thursday.
| Construction Details | Construction Schedule |
|---|---|
| Expedited dredging of the harbour mouth | commencement of construction work |
| Use of Kerala Maritime Board’s Chandragiri dredger | daily dredging increased from 10 to 20 hours |
| Use of Hitachi long boom dredgers | 6 units contracted to assist the operation |
The government has also increased the daily dredging hours from 10 to 20 hours to expedite the desilting operation. The administration has commandeered the services of the Kerala Maritime Board’s Chandragiri dredger to assist in the operation. Additionally, six Hitachi long boom dredgers have been contracted to assist in the operation.
Additional Initiatives
In addition to the construction of the modern harbour, the government has also initiated other measures to address the challenges faced by the fishers. The Fisheries Minister has stated that the government will open the sandbars formed off the Vakkom, Chirayankeezhu, Kadakkavoor, Anchuthengu, Azhoor, and Kadinamkulam coastal localities.
“The sandbars were the leading cause of tidal surges and flooding in the localities and adjacent areas, chiefly during the monsoon. We will desilt these areas to alleviate the suffering of the people.”
— Fisheries Minister, Saji Cherian
The government has channelled operations funds from the State Disaster Management Authority to initiate these measures.
Benefits of the Modern Harbour
The construction of the modern harbour at Muthalapozhy will bring several benefits to the local community. The modern harbour will also provide a safer and more efficient way for fishing boats to operate, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the livelihoods of the local fishers.
Conclusion
The construction of the modern harbour at Muthalapozhy is a significant step forward for the local community. The government’s initiatives to address the challenges faced by the fishers will alleviate the suffering of the people and improve the livelihoods of the local fishers. The modern harbour will provide a safer and more efficient way for fishing boats to operate, supporting hundreds of traditional fisherfolk families and serving as one of the leading fish landing centres in southern Kerala.
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