Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian announced that the Central government has approved the development of Muthalapozhi Fishing Port, near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. He was speaking at a press conference held in Thiruvananthapuram today. The development will be based on the new DPR submitted by State Government.

The proposed expenditure of 177 crores rupees for the project will be borne jointly by Union and State Governments in the ratio of 60:40. 106 crore and 20 lakh rupees will be provided by Central Government under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). State Government’s contribution would be 70 crore and 80 lakh rupees.

Muthalappozhi has, in recent years, became a dangerous area of fishermen. Several fishermen have lost their lives in frequent accidents occurring in this region. Comprehensive development of fishing infrastructure in this harbor had been a strong demand of fishermen and local population. The development project announced today is expected to resolve these issues.

The expansion project of Muthalapozhi port has been designed on the basis of scientific studies, conducted by Institutes such as Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune and the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted by Government of Kerala.

The development of fishing harbor will enable landing facility for 415 mechanized fishing boats, and will facilitate landing of 38,142 metric tonnes of fish annually. About 10,000 people will benefit directly by the project and the same number of people will be benefited indirectly.  Apart from providing essential facilities for local fishing vessels and fishermen, the project will promote the growth of fisheries-based and allied industries, accelerate trade and economic activities, and create a large number of employment opportunities.

The Minister emphasized that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, there has been unprecedented progress in the fisheries sector. He said, 38,572 crore rupees have been allocated for various projects in the last ten years in view of the employment development opportunities in fisheries sectors.