Project to build flats in coastal areas.

Minister for Excise, Ports, and Fisheries K. Babu said recently that the State government would construct 490 flats for the homeless and landless people residing in coastal areas.

A sum of Rs. 49 crore would be set aside for the purpose, Mr. Babu said after inaugurating the construction of a modern hygienic fish market by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) and a drinking water project for coastal wards at Payyoli.

The Rs. 1.5-crore proposed market would have advanced facilities for sale of raw fish with display boards, ice units, toilets, rest rooms and office space.

However, Mr. Babu said the Centre should reinstate its fund allocation for infrastructure development of the coastal areas to 75 per cent. The government would also actively consider a project to develop Payyoli as a mini-harbour.


THE HINDU