The state government has decided to amend the inland waterway laws after it found that existing laws are inadequate. The decision was taken at a meeting presided by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy held here on Wednesday.
He said that the money required to replace Chinese nets would be allocated after discussions. The Chief Minister directed the Fisheries Department to utilise Rs 10.46 crore that has already been sanctioned as compensation for fish workers to replace Chinese nets.
The meeting decided to extend the subsidy given to coastal shipping operators to inland navigation vessel operators. Labour Minister Shibu Baby John, Fisheries Minister K Babu, Planning Board vice-chairman K M Chandrashekaran, Water Resource Additional chief secretary V J Kurien and Fisheries Secretary Mini Antony attended.