THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a transformative move for the fishing community in southern Kerala, the fisheries department has embarked on the construction of a Rs 343-crore harbour at Poovar. Located on the sea-facing side of the estuary between Vizhinjam and the Tamil Nadu border, the new harbour is set to revolutionise fishing activities for over 25,000 fishermen living between Kollamcode and Adimalathura.
Construction of a breakwater has already begun, with tetrapod casting under way at the site. The initial phase involves building a 65-metre section of the breakwater, which will eventually extend to 1,450 metres. This part of the project requires 16,000 tons of boulders and 610 tetrapods, with a Rs 5-crore allocation made in the current budget.
Currently, local fishermen rely on favourable weather conditions to safely land their boats on the beach. During periods of coastal erosion, they are forced to take their boats to the Vizhinjam harbour, 20 kilometres away, incurring an additional cost of Rs 2,000 to 3,000.
The new Poovar harbour, with sufficient draft (depth), will facilitate the operation of deep-sea fishing vessels and help ease congestion at both Vizhinjam and Neendakara harbours.
“The fishing industry in the region is poised for a significant shift towards mechanised boats. The primary challenge has always been the lack of infrastructure. This harbour will catalyse infrastructure-led development in the area,” said Mohamed Ansari M A, chief engineer, harbour engineering department.
The sea depth in the area is 10 metres, well-suited for deep-sea fishing, which requires only a 6-metre draft. The project includes the construction of an 800-metre-long harbour with a 350-metre basin and a 1,450-metre-long breakwater, nearly half the size of the one at Vizhinjam International Port. The breakwater alone is projected to cost Rs 200 crore.
Other infrastructure developments include a wharf, auction hall, roadways, and perimeter fencing. The first phase will focus on building a 200-metre berth, with the final design awaiting modification based on approvals from the Union government, which will contribute 60% of the cost.
The final plan for the project will be submitted to the Union government for approval in April, with the help of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
“We’ve opted for a sea-facing harbour design rather than one within the estuary to avoid the issues we faced at Muthalapozhi harbour,” explained G S Anilkumar, executive engineer, harbour engineering department, Thiruvananthapuram.
Project Highlights
Rs 343cr Estimated cost
Benefits 25,000 fishermen from Kollamcode to Adimalathura
All-weather harbour eliminates the need for boat diversion to other ports
Eases congestion at Vizhinjam harbour
Supports deep-sea fishing vessels
Includes the construction of a 1,450-meter long breakwater
Funding split: 60% Centre, 40% State