Kasaragod to get new harbours, stronger coastal defence
Kasaragod will see new harbour projects and enhanced coastal protection, including tetrapods, to combat severe erosion.
The Kerala government has announced a series of time-bound initiatives to address coastal erosion and upgrade fishing harbour infrastructure in Kasaragod district. The decision follows a review meeting chaired by Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor, who said the Fisheries and Harbour Engineering departments will work together on the measures.
Kasaragod, which has the longest coastline in the state, faces significant erosion challenges. To counter this, the government will implement stronger coastal protection measures, including the deployment of tetrapods along vulnerable stretches.
A major new project is planned for Ajanur fishing harbour. A detailed proposal has been prepared and will be submitted this year for funding under NABARD or the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The minister also directed urgent action at Thrikkannad, where seawater reaches the state highway during rough sea conditions.
The government is considering raising financial assistance for families who lose their homes to coastal erosion. Currently, affected families receive ₹10 lakh for land and a house, but rising land prices and construction costs have made this amount insufficient. A revision of the assistance is under serious examination.
At Keezhur, the deteriorating bund leading to the groyne has impacted the Kasaragod fishing harbour. Emergency protection measures will be taken in coordination with the Major Irrigation department, following special attention from the local MLA.
Other harbour projects were also reviewed. The foundation stone for development at Cheruvathur (Madakkara) will be laid soon. At Manjeswaram, a proposal for a bridge and low-level jetty has been submitted. For the Kasaragod harbour development project, estimated at ₹3.6 crore, officials were told to complete remaining works within a stipulated timeframe.
The minister instructed officials to stop keeping completed projects waiting for formal inaugurations. Harbours should be opened for use as soon as construction finishes. The meeting also decided that fishermen and other stakeholders should be consulted before proceeding with projects.
Kasaragod MLA Kallatra Mahin and IUML leader P.M. Muneer Haji were present at the meeting.