Minister inspects fish landing centre work

Trichy: State environment and climate change minister Siva V Meyyanathan on Saturday inspected the ongoing works for the improvement of a fish landing centre at the Thirumullaivasal estuary near Sirkazhi in the Mayiladuthurai district.The state government, under the Nabard’s Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), has been implementing the project at a cost of 18 crore. Works are underway for the construction of a boat docking yard for a length of 174m and a seawall for 200m to prevent coastal erosion on the southern side of the estuary.“Dredging and desilting of the estuary to remove 50,000 cubic metres of silt will be taken up soon,” the minister said. When fishermen told the minister that movements of boats from the mainland to the sea and vice versa are hampered as the water from the Uppanar river is not reaching the sea due to presence of sand dunes, he asked the public works department (PWD) to look into the issue. The minister said the district administration will be directed to resolve other grievances of residents of the fishing hamlet. TNN

Fishing boat destroyed in accident at Muthalapozhi

A fibre boat carrying six fishermen was destroyed after hitting a rock at Muthalapozhi harbour in Thiruvananthapuram, India. This incident marks the 23rd accident at the harbour in 70 days. The Adani Group has brought a long boom crane to remove stones and sand from the river basin in order to prevent further accidents. A study recommended immediate dredging works to increase the harbour depth. The Adani Group is responsible for clearing the deposited sand and stones. The state government has yet to fulfill its promise to start dredging works.

Kim meets Russian defence minister, inspects missile and warship

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Vladivostok, where he met with Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu and inspected a hypersonic missile system. This visit has raised concerns in the West about potential arms deals between Russia and North Korea. Moscow is reportedly interested in buying North Korean ammunition for the conflict in Ukraine, while Pyongyang seeks Russia's assistance in developing its missile program. However, the Kremlin has stated that no agreements have been made or will be made. Kim's visit to Russia is part of Putin's efforts to strengthen alliances with leaders ostracized by Western countries.