Minister Grants Adani Ports Extension for Dredging Activities in Kerala Harbour.

Kerala's Port Minister V N Vasavan announced on Tuesday that Adani Ports has received an extension to complete dredging activities in the navigation channel of Muthalappozhi harbour, where frequent boat accidents and fatalities have occurred over recent years.

During a session of the question hour, Minister Vasavan informed that the government had originally entered into an agreement with Adani Ports regarding this project back in 2018, with the contract expiring on June 11 of this year. Due to delays in the project, the company was granted an extension to finish the dredging work.

Responding to queries from legislator Saneesh Kumar Joseph of the Congress party about potential actions against port authorities for failing to meet assurances, Minister Vasavan, speaking on behalf of Fisheries Minister Saji Cheriyan, did not provide a definitive response. Instead, he emphasized the ongoing discussions between port representatives and respective ministers to ensure the dredging work proceeds in a timely manner.

"The contract period with Adani Ports had indeed ended. After discussions, an extension was granted to complete the dredging work promptly," Minister Vasavan stated. Joseph highlighted the severity of the situation in Muthalappozhi, noting that 73 lives had already been lost there due to accidents.

Another Congress legislator, M Vincent, urged the government to take immediate short-term measures to address the concerns of fishermen in the hamlet. He also pointed out that while the state government had proposed a Rs 164 crore project for Muthalappozhi's development to the Centre, obtaining approval and completing tender processes could take several years.

In recent years, Muthalappozhi, located where a river and lake meet the Arabian Sea, has reported numerous fatalities and boat capsizals, underscoring the urgency of addressing safety and development issues in the area.

ET