Shortage of funds and the refusal of contractors to take up new works, reportedly due to non-payment of dues, have hit dredging operations at the Puthiyappa harbour here.
The work could be taken up only if the government cleared the dues or sanctioned additional funds, sources said.
The project was approved by the Kerala State Maritime Development Corporation nine months ago.
Leaders of various fishermen welfare associations had stated that they would resort to an indefinite protest at the harbour by boycotting toll collection and the remittance of boat fare. The associations had been planning a series of dharnas seeking government intervention.
A.K. Saseendran, the MLA representing the Elathur constituency, said it would be very difficult to start the work unless the government cleared the dues of contractors and sanctioned additional funds. “Only Rs.20 lakh has been sanctioned so far for dredging. This is not sufficient,” he said.
Mr. Saseendran, who had submitted proposals for the development of the harbour, said at least Rs.30 lakh would be needed.
“Along with this, the government will have to settle the existing issues with the contractors. Their non-cooperation has hit several similar works across the State,” he said.
The work was approved by the government as part of introducing better anchoring facilities for fishing boats at the harbour. Official sources said over 700 boats operated from the Puthiyappa harbour. The facility had the capacity to hold only 300 boats. Often, larger boats had to anchor several meters away from the coast, they said.
