In a significant step towards the holistic development of coastal areas in Kerala, Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian inaugurated a fish landing center at Prayikkara in Alappuzha on Monday. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to uplifting fisher families and enhancing their livelihoods, Minister Cherian outlined plans for comprehensive development initiatives across the state’s coastal regions.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Cherian reiterated the government’s resolve to implement various developmental projects in areas densely populated by fisher families. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the comprehensive growth of coastal communities, underscoring the government’s dedication to this cause.
Highlighting ongoing efforts in housing rehabilitation, Minister Cherian revealed that the government has already constructed 8,300 houses under the Punargeham project. This initiative aims to relocate fisher families residing within 50 meters of the coastline, providing them with safer and more secure housing options. Additionally, the government is actively engaged in constructing houses under the Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment (LIFE) Mission, having handed over 12,600 houses to beneficiaries over the past seven years.
In further support of fisher communities, Minister Cherian announced that the Fisheries Department has allocated ₹30 crore for the renovation of fisher houses, ensuring improved living conditions for those involved in the fishing industry.
Underlining the government’s efforts to diversify employment opportunities, Minister Cherian introduced the ‘Thozhil Theeram’ scheme initiated by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council. This scheme aims to provide employment to members of fisher families outside the fisheries sector, thereby augmenting their income and ensuring financial stability.
The newly inaugurated two-story Prayikkara fish landing center, constructed at a cost of ₹1.33 crore, boasts state-of-the-art facilities including an auction hall, fishing net repair facility, cold storage system, office rooms, and toilet block. The inauguration ceremony, presided over by Chennithala Thripperunthura gram panchayat president Vijayamma Philendran, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation managing director P.I. Sheik Pareeth and Mavelikara block panchayat president Indira Das.
Minister Cherian’s pledge towards comprehensive coastal development underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to uplift fisher communities and foster sustainable growth across Kerala’s coastal regions.
Source-The Hindu
