KOCHI: Minister for Excise and Fisheries K Babu said the seaplane project would be implemented in such a way that it would not affect the livelihood of fishermen.
Speaking after inaugurating the State level celebration of the World Fisheries Day on Saturday, the Minister said, “seaplane can be also used for rescue operations in emergency situations. The service will be launched after removing weeds in the backwaters,” he said.
The Minister, meanwhile, raised apprehensions over depletion of fishery resources, both in the sea and in interior waters. “The problem can be solved to a great extend through aquaculture. A project to promote aquaculture is being implemented in 930 panchasyats,” he said. Referring to development of infrastructure in the coastal belt, the Minister said projects worth Rs 600 crore were implemented through the Coastal Development Corporation.
“Work on construction of 1,800 roads, 14,000 houses, 13,700 toilets and fish landing centres have already been completed. A total of 300 more roads will be constructed this year. Besides, the welfare Fund for fishermen has been hiked to Rs 600,” he said.
At the function, presided over by Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain, financial assistance was distributed to fishermen from the Malsya Board; Agency for Development of Aquaculture - Kerala (ADAK) and the Society For Assistance To Fisherwomen (SAF).
Department of Fisheries joint director K J Prasannakumar, Joint Commissioner K A Raveendran and Malsya Board member A M Alavuddin also attended the function.