Govt to take steps to solve Muthalapozhi issue

Thiruvananthapuram: At least 58

fishermen

lost their lives in accidental drowning which happened at various places between Anchuthengu and Veli in the last 10 years, Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian told the assembly here on Wednesday. The minister added that as per FIRs collected from coastal and local police stations, 11 fishermen died in accidents at

Muthalapozhi

harbour in the past five years (2016-21). The government views the number of deaths seriously, he said.

According to the minister, accidents are due to the deposit of sand in the harbour. He informed the assembly that steps are being taken for dredging and increasing the depth as per a memorandum of understanding signed with the Adani group. “Grab dredger has reached the site and dredging will start as soon as the assembling process is completed,” the minister said.

An environment impact assessment study will also be carried out to undertake a permanent process of sand bypassing through which sand being deposited in the southern portion could be spread in the northern area which is highly prone to sea erosion. An agreement was signed with a Kochi-based firm and the report will be ready within a year. Detailed project report for sand bypassing will be prepared and work will begin, the minister said.

He added that a team of experts led by M V Ramana Murthy will visit Muthalapozhi within a week and prepare a report. The National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, was entrusted with the task of studying the defects in the construction of Muthalapozhi harbour.

The minister told the assembly about the loss of shore in the northern portion following the construction of Muthalapozhi harbour. Talking about the sea erosion at Anchuthengu, he said it was up to the Irrigation department to take steps to conserve the shore. tnn