Thiruvananthapuram: The government on Thursday announced Rs 2,000 crore package for the comprehensive development of coastal population, rehabilitation and restoration.
The fisherfolk were lauded for rushing to flood hit areas for rescuing hundreds of people. The package will be expanded into a comprehensive programme in “Rebuild Kerala”. In 2019-20, over Rs 1,000 crore will be spent on the development works in the coastal areas. Over 18,000 houses are located within 50 metres of the sea. Of these, at least 10,000 houses are to be rehabilitated urgently. Those who are willing to relocate from their dwellings will be given Rs 10 lakh to buy land and to construct houses beyond 200 metres from the coast.
For others, flats will be constructed for rehabilitation through Life Mission as done in Muttathara. The ownership and possession of the vacated land will remain with them. Such areas will be retained as a bio-defence against sea erosion.
Rehabilitation will be a prominent agenda in ‘Re-Build Kerala’. As a part of immediate expenses of rehabilitation, Rs 100 crore is additionally allotted. Houses will be ensured to all eligible beneficiaries in coastal area from ‘Life Mission’.
Sanction has already been given for works amounting to Rs 227 crore for the prevention of sea erosion by traditional means like sea wall, pulimuts etc.
Experiment for constructing Off Shore Break Water on the sea bed at a distance of 400-500 feet from the shore is going on in Poonthura. If found successful, this scheme will be further be expanded. KIIFB will fund the project.
Sanction has been given for Parappanangadi harbour from KIIFB. Chethi harbour work will also be undertaken by KIIFB. A new harbour will be constructed at Pozhiyoor. Rs 13 crore granted for satellite phones and GPS equipped navigation systems.
Rs.103 crore is earmarked for infrastructure facilities and developmental activities. KIIFB to assist in renovation of 70 fish markets and setting up cold chain network.
An amount of Rs. 200 crore is earmarked for coastal roads. All schools in coastal area with 500 plus students have already been taken up by KIIFB for renovation. The renovation of remaining 71 schools will be undertaken by Coastal Development Corporation this year. An additional Rs 3 crore earmarked for studying and analysing coastal sea. KIIFB to invest Rs 900 crore through KIIFB.
An amount of Rs. 13 crore is earmarked for coaching and study centres under ‘Prathibha Theeram’ project. Rs 20 crore special scheme of General Education Department for children of fishermen, tribals and plantation workers.
An amount of Rs. 28 crore for lean month relief schemes of fisherfolk, Rs.12 crore for insurance, Rs. 10 crore for strengthening the societies of fishermen, Rs. 5 crore for yawn twisting unit at Paravoor and Rs. 9 crore to Matsyafed for giving interest free loans to fishermen.
