All major fishing harbours in Malabar get a major facelift this financial year, Minister for Ports K. Babu said here on Thursday.
Addressing mediapersons here on Thursday, he said the government had already allotted the requisite funds for this.
The work at the Vallayil harbour would begin next month. The total project cost was Rs.39.30 crore. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would inaugurate the work on May 19, he said.
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The works on the Tanur harbour too would begin the same day. The government had allotted Rs.44.87 crore for the work there, he said.
The fishing harbours at Manjeswaram, Puthiyappa, Koyilandy, and Thalayi too would get funds for the development of existing amenities. The government would allot Rs.12.16 crore for dredging at Puthiyappa.
Referring to the development plan for major ports in the Malabar region, Mr. Babu said the State government would acquire 3.83 acres of land more at Beypore for the extension of the port. The families to be evacuated from the location would be offered a suitable rehabilitation package, he said.
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The work on the Ponnani Port would be completed in a time-bound manner as the procedures for environmental clearance were in the final stage. Malabar Ports, which won the tender for the Rs.750-crore project, would be able to begin the works in four months, he added.
Bevco move
Explaining the decision of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) to open three cosy liquor outlets in the State, Mr. Babu said it was meant to help ‘responsible alcohol consumers.’
There would not be an increase in the total number of Bevco outlets in the State as three existing outlets would be upgraded with more facilities under the project.