KOCHI: The funds for fishermen under the Integrated Development of Fishing Villages project was allotted on Wednesday. As per state government’s decision, the Ernakulam district will get a financial aid to the tune of Rs.86.18 crore for the infrastructure and overall development of major coastal areas.
The major projects mooted under the scheme include four drinking water projects, 11 hospital buildings, 22 Anganwadi buildings, nine school buildings and Kerala Institute of Fisheries and Ocean Studies Academic Block construction at Kumbalam, Pallippuram, Vadakkekkara, Edavanakkad and Kuzhuppilli areas. In addition to these, four modern fish markets, distribution of 40 two wheelers and two autorickshaws will be carried out at Thevara, Palluruthy, North Paravur and Aluva region.
According to an official statement issued here on Wednesday, already projects worth Rs.12.35 crore have been completed at Kumabalam, Vadakkekkara, Pallippuram, Manasseri and Edavanakkad fishing villages.
Meanwhile, projects worth Rs.52.27 crore, which had been already initiated, are progressing in a rapid pace at various parts of the district. The projects that are progressing include four drinking water projects, eight electrification project, 615 individual toilets, fish mall, five library buildings, four modern fish markets, net-mending yards, four school buildings, hospital buildings, eight public toilets, eight hi-mass lights, one fishing land centre, six Anganwadi buildings and drainage construction.
The projects that have been submitted before the state for its approval include the construction of Fisheries Road at Edavanakkad and Elamkunnappuzha at an estimated cost of Rs.5.9 crore, new building for Keechery Community Health Centre at a projected cost of Rs.1.64 crore, new building for Kuzhuppilli Primary Health Centre at an expected cost of Rs.1.95 crore and the electrification of Udayamperoor coastal belt at Rs.48 lakhs. The total cost of projects that have been submitted for approval will amount to Rs.10.02 crore.
Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation Limited (KSCADC)KSCADC is the implementing agency for the Model Fishing Village project. This year’s allotment will begin with the allotment of Rs.19.38 lakh to 54 traditional fishermen in Kumabalam and Udayamperoor for purchasing fishing nets and other facilities. The beneficiaries will be given 90 per cent of the total cost of the fishing unit as financial aid, the statement added.