Coastal roads to connect fishing harbours and landing centres

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for Fisheries and Habour Engineering J. Mercykutty Amma told the Assembly on Tuesday that construction of  522 kilometres of coastal roads connecting fishing habours and landing centres across the State would be taken up.

The project would cost more than Rs. 7000 crores, the Minister said while replying to the debate on the demand for grants for Fisheries.

Ms. Mercykutty Amma said that a green-belt would also be developed as part of the project. Building of sea wall would be avoided. A housing scheme would also be incorporated into the scheme.  Fifty metres of coast from sea would be kept free of constructions

She said that the government also proposed to make fish markets women-friendly. The quality of markets would be improved by ensuring neatness and modern facilities.

She also announced that four new hatcheries would be started in the State. The capacity of existing hatcheries would be expanded.

Government would soon submit integrated coastal management plan to the Centre which would enable it to get exemptions from coastal regulations. Measures would be taken to check depletion of fish resources.

Deep sea fishing units would be formed in selected areas after giving training to fishermen.

She said that the term of fishermen’s debt relief commission would be extended by a year. The relief would be increased to Rs. 1 lakh.

After the Minister’s reply, the House passed the demand for grants in the absence of UDF and KC (M) members who had boycotted the sitting over self-financing college issue.