Lok Sabha Question No. 1861 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-01
Subject: Fishing Harbour in Kerala
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Adoor Prakash

## MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1861 TO BE ANSWERED ON 1 ST  AUGUST, 2023

## Fishing Harbour in Kerala

## 1861.   ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH:

## Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी  मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the recurring accidents in Muthalapozhi fishing harbour in Kerala has claimed that sixty nine deaths and injured hundreds so far;
- (b) if so, the details of representations received and the interventions the Union Government in the concerning issue at Muthalapozhi;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  report  from  the  State  Government  which denied the safety issues in harbour;
- (d) whether the Government has received any request from the State Government of Kerala in Muthalapozhi fishing harbour issue, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government will send a team of experts to review the situation and will take immediate measures to avert more tragedies?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

## (SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

(a) to (e): The Government of Kerala reported that after construction of breakwaters  there were maneuverability issues at the channel entrance of the fishing harbour during rough season which caused certain loss of life and injury to fishermen.  It is reported that in order to eliminate such navigational difficulties faced by the fishermen at Muthalppozhy Fishing Harbour, re-engineering study was entrusted to the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune and the study recommended for extension of Northern Breakwater by 240 m long and Southern Breakwater by 330m long with required changes in   alignments of breakwaters. Based on the recommendations of the CWPRS, Pune, an expansion project at a cost  of Rs. 31.02 crore has been taken by the State Government under the central scheme of  Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and the project is completed  in  May  2018.  The  Government  of  Kerala  further  reported  that  improvement  of maneuverability has been done by removing rocks and siltation in the channel for facilitating for smooth movement of fishing vessels.

In view of recurring accidents at the fishing harbour, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in February, 2021 has requested the Government of Kerala to undertake scientific studies  on priority basis by engaging suitable Technical Agency including Central  Institute  of  Coastal  Engineering  for  Fishery,  Bengaluru.  Further,  pending  the completion of study and corrective measures, if any, the Government of Kerala was requested to take necessary steps to prevent occurrence of accidents at the said fishing harbour. The Government of Kerala in October, 2022 entrusted additional studies to CWPRS, Pune to analyse the issues in consultation with the stakeholders and suggest the remedial measures.

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has on 17 th July, 2023 deputed a three member Technical Team for inspecting the fishing harbour. The team after detailed site inspection and local stakeholder consultation recommended short term and long  term  measures.  The  short  term  measures  primarily  include  dredging  and  removal  of  rock boulders in the channel. The long term measures include formulation of a comprehensive proposal for stabilizing the navigational channel and mouth to ensure safe maneuvering of fishing vessels.

*****