Lok Sabha Question No. 280 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-05
Subject: Fishing Harbour in Kerala
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Adoor Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOKSABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.280 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## Fishing Harbour in Kerala

## 280. ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH

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

- (a) the details of safety measures recommended by the centrally deputed technical team after inspecting Muthalapozhi fishing harbour in Kerala;
- (b) whether  the  recommended  safety  measures  have  been  taken  to  avert  the  continuous accidents in the harbour, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has received any request from the State Government of Kerala for technical / financial assistance to address the issues in Muthalapozhi fishing harbour; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRYAND DAIRYING

## (SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

(a): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying had on 17th  July,  2023  deputed  a  three  member  Technical  Team  for  inspection  of  Muthalapozhi  fishing harbour. The team based on detailed site inspection and local stakeholder consultations, recommended  short  term  and  long-term  measures  mainly  to  mitigate  the  navigational  difficulties faced  by  the  fishermen  at  the  fishing  harbour.  The  short-term  measures  recommended  by  the Technical Team primarily include dredging and removal of rock boulders in the channel and the long-term measures  include stabilizing the navigational  channel  and mouth  to  ensure safe maneuvering of fishing vessels.

(b) : The  Government  of  Kerala  has  reported  that  its  executing  agency  has  been  advised  to maintain depth in channel and mouth of Fishing Harbour as per MoU entered into between the State Government  and    its  executing  agency  in  connection  with  construction  of  load  out  facility  at Muthalapozhi  Fishing  Harbour,  for  transporting  stones  for  the  construction  of  breakwaters  at Vizhinjam International Sea Port. It is reported that executing agency has also been directed by the Government  of  Kerala  to  remove  the  scattered  stones  lying  in  the  estuary  and  channel  and accordingly, the work of removing scattered stones and tetrapodes lying in the estuary and channel using  excavator  and  long  boom  crane  is  progressing  and  dredger  reached  at  site  for  carrying  out dredging at Muthalapozhi Fishing Harbour by its executing agency. The Government of Kerala has further reported that more life guards have been deputed, an ambulance has been allocated for rescue operations and high mast lights are installed at breakwater for smooth  operations at Muthalapozhi Fishing Harbour.

(c) and (d) : The    Government  of  Kerala  has  submitted  a  proposal  for  the  upgradation  of Muthalapozhi Fishing Harbour at a cost Rs 50 crore and sought central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This proposal primarily envisages  upgradation of internal road & parking area, construction of new drain, overhead water tank, workers rest shed, shops, dormitory, gate, gate house, auction hall, loading area, new toilet block, cold storage room, extension of wharf and auction hall, deepening of basin and berthing area, landscaping/beautification works, replenishment of breakwater and providing road facility over breakwater,  refurbishment of existing structures, installation of ETP, Electrification & yard lighting, installation of surveillance system, power backup facilities, mechanical conveyor system and automation.After scrutiny of the proposal, the Government of Kerala has been advised in October, 2023 to submit a comprehensive proposal after incorporating suggestions of the studies carried out by the State Government through the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune.

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