KANNUR: The business community of the district is on with measures to speed up the developmental works of the Azhikkal port which they believe would redefine the industrial potential of the region. A seminar on ‘Development of Azhikkal Port’ organized by the North Malabar Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) will be held on Saturday which will discuss the steps to be taken for the speedy implementation of the developmental works. NMCC secretary Sachin Suryakant Makhecha told DC that with the government allocating Rs 500 crore for developing the port, it was high time to chip in their share to speed up the works.
“The initial works like laying the pipeline for dredging have already started. But we feel an expert discussion and suggestions in the presence of minister and higher officials with movers and shakers of the region would augment the efforts”, Mr Makhecha said. “The freight movement would be easier if the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) facility is made available at the port”, he said, adding that currently, exporters and importers have to take the consignments to Kochi for customs verification. Many pointed out that EDI would charm in coffee exporters in Kodagu in Karnataka to the port.
The low depth of the port basin and channel is a major hurdle that keeps ships off bay. If the depth is increased to minimum six metres, larger vessels can safely navigate in the port. As per the industry figures 300 containers of plywood are being imported to Kannur through Kochi port every month. 150-180 containers of plywood and textiles are exported through Kochi port. Besides, timber is exported and imported through Mangalore and Tuticorin ports. Minister for Ports Ramachandran Kadannappalli would be the guest of honour in the seminar. MLAs KM Shaji and TV Rajesh, Kannur Mayor EP Latha, PK Sreemathi MP and Director of Ports Sheikh Pareeth among others would participate in the discussions.
