The State government will soon enter into an agreement with the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) Limited to ensure the timely completion of dredging works in all harbours in Kerala, Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma has said.
The Minister who announced the new decision while opening two newly renovated coastal roads in the city on Friday said it would help the government avoid the tedious and time consuming tendering works every year for such works.
“The delayed dredging had been causing huge trouble for the local fishers. Even after awarding such works, they were in a situation to wait long for its completion and ensure the safety of their fishing boats,” said the Minister.
She pointed out that the government too was in a situation to set apart ₹10 crore every year in the absence of a long-term work agreement.
According to Ms. Mercykutty, the proposed dredging agreement by the government would ensure a trouble-free service of the DCI for at least five years.
“The discussions for the same are now in the final phase,”she added.
Lack of Central aid
On the various hurdles now being faced by the government for the timely completion of various harbour development projects, the Minister said it was the lack of financial support from the Central government that played spoilsport.
“The State is now in a situation to find its own funds for realising such projects. Despite the challenges, we have successfully executed many harbour renovation projects in the State,” she pointed out.
Relocation of fishers
Promising complete support to the relocation of needy fishermen from the dangerous coastlines, the Minister said the applications of 500 such families in Kozhikode district would be processed by the end of December 2019.
Each family would be assured a financial aid of at least ₹10 lakh to construct houses in other safe locations, she added.
A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, chaired the inaugural event.
