Rs.300-crore projects for fishing community: Babu.

Social infrastructure development projects to the tune of Rs.300 crore are being implemented in the coastal areas of the State for the overall socio-economic development of the fishing community, Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Excise K. Babu has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating projects implemented by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) as part of integrated coastal area development initiative at Vettoor here recently. A Rs.1.9-crore modern fish market at Chirayinkeezhu was also inaugurated.

“Projects to the tune of Rs.110 crore are being implemented in 57 selected coastal villages under the integrated development project. Additionally, projects costing Rs.154 crore are being implemented in 11 coastal villages that come under model fishing village projects,” he said, adding that the KSCADC was implementing projects to the tune of Rs.133 crore with support from NABARD’s Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

The developmental projects at Vettoor include a drinking water project of Rs.63.33 lakh, an electrification project of Rs.82.67 lakh, a Rs.10-lakh library, and public toilets for Rs.15 lakh. The 461.66 square metre, double-storied, modernised Chirayinkeezhu fish market, set up as part of the KSCADC’s chain of eight markets across the district, will have 34 commercial stalls with clog-proof drains, stainless steel trays, and cutting slabs for exhibiting and cleaning fish, apart from seating facilities for sellers on the ground floor.

Similar markets are awaiting approval from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for markets in Pazhayakunnummel, Nadayara and Attingal.

A. Sampath, MP; V. Sasi and Varkala Kahar, MLAs; district panchayat president Ansajitha Rassal; KSCADC managing director K. Ampady; KSCADC general manager K.M. Lethy; and others were present.

THE HINDU