The remaining work on the Kollam-Kottapuram National Waterway can be completed by December this year provided disputes regarding the removal of dredged sand and fishing nets are settled, officials of the National Waterways Authority of India (NWAI) told a review meeting convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here.
According to them, work is remaining only on six more kilometres of the 205 kilometre-stretch. Removal of dredged sand poses the major hurdle in completing the work. Two locations have been identified in storing the dredged sand. But dredging can be resumed only if the sand already stored here is auctioned off.
“A dispute also exists regarding the removal of 74 fishing nets in Kayamkulam,” the officials said.
If these two issues can be settled, the work on the waterway can be completed by December. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy urged the officials to complete the remaining works in a time-bound manner. Ministers P J Joseph, K Babu, Shibu Baby John and officials of the departments concerned attended the review meeting.