Stephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)

Kasargod, Oct 1: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the ambitious Manjeshwar fisheries port on Thursday via video conference.

The CM also stated that fishermen are the protectors of the coast. “The government is concerned about fishermen who serve as soldiers in the event of disasters. Their initiative where they disregard their lives during natural calamities cannot be forgotten. The government is determined to take measures for their welfare. The decade old dream of constructing a fisheries port for the progress of fishermen in Manjeshwar has become a reality,” he said.

Minister of fisheries, J Mercykutty Amma presided over the programme. Minister of revenue E Chandrasekharan, MP Rajmohan Unnithan and MLA M C Qamaruddin were present as guests of honour.

District panchayat president A G C Basheer, Manjeshwar block panchayat president A K M Ashraf, member K R Jayananda, Mangalpady gram panchayat president Shahul Hameed, port department engineer Tinku Biswal, chief engineer B T V Krishnan were present.

The port has been constructed at Rs 48.13 crore. The project was completed in the participation of the Centre and the state government. Nearly 275 boats besides mechanized and country boats have been provided for the port. Over 10,000 people from Kumble Koyipadi, Shiria, Bangra Manjeshwar and other fisheries zones are the beneficiaries of the port.

About 1,200 fishermen will benefit directly and 4,800 fishermen will benefit indirectly from it. Jobs opportunities in various ways will be generated such those for fishing and fish export.