Fishing boat destroyed in accident at Muthalapozhi

Thiruvananthapuram: In yet another accident at Muthalapozhi harbour, a fibre boat carrying six fishermen on board was destroyed after it hit a rock on Saturday. A fisherman was injured in the accident.Even after fishing boats meeting with accidents has become a common affair, the state government has not kept the promise they had given two months back to the local residents about starting dredging works to increase the harbour depth to curb accidents.According to the local fishermen, Saturday’s incident is the 23rd accident that happened at the harbour in a span of 70 days.Meanwhile, Adani Group has informed that a long boom crane for removing stones, tetrapods and sand from the river basin has been brought to the state capital from Thoothukudi. The crane was brought on five trailers and its main body, crawler wheel and boom were assembled here. The construction of the road to take the crane to the harbour was also finished. The crane will soon be taken to the breakwater for work. It was also informed that over 400 stones and tetrapods were removed from the harbour using a midrange long boom and the remaining stones from the middle portion of the river basin will be removed using the long-boom crane.A study conducted by the Janakeeya Padanasamithi has pointed out that the soil and stone deposition at the harbour was the cause of the frequent accidents at the harbour. The study report also recommended immediate dredging works at the harbour to increase its depth.As per the pact signed by the Adani Group with the harbour engineering department, the group is responsible to clear the sand and stones being deposited at the harbour. The state government also promised that through sand bypassing technology the stones and sand deposited in the harbour mouth will be removed from the harbour on a permanent basis at a cost of Rs 11 crore. In the first week of this month a fishing boat, carrying 26 people on board, hit the rocks and overturned while returning after fishing. Luckily, none in the boat, owned by Puthukurissi-resident Anilkumar, sustained an injury. After protests by fishermen, the state government had promised to start dredging works on a war-footing. However, nothing has been done so far.

Curbs imposed at Beypore harbour, port

The Kozhikode district administration has imposed restrictions at Beypore harbour and port as part of efforts to contain the spread of the Nipah virus. The restrictions include prohibiting boats from berthing or unloading fish at the harbour, as well as suspending auction and sale activities. Fishermen, vendors, and workers have been advised to take precautions. The district administration has also temporarily closed the Beypore facilities and will use communication systems to inform fishermen about the restrictions.

Rail block at Panvel till October, to hit Harbour line services

Harbour line services on the CSMT-Panvel route will be affected due to rail blocks for the construction of dedicated freight corridors. Two late-night trains and two early-morning trains from CSMT will be cancelled, while five others will be shortened. Four trains on the Down Trans Harbour line and three on the Up Trans Harbour line will also be cancelled. The construction is expected to be completed by October 2.

MMRDA plan to set up 350 sq km town across city harbour

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to develop a 350 sq km settlement in Mumbai, aiming to make it the fastest growing center in the country. The development will be supported by the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Transharbour Link. The proposed town will prioritize infrastructure before buildings and is expected to boost the national GDP by 1 percentage point. The MMRDA also stated that the completion of the Navi Mumbai International Airport is scheduled for the end of 2024.