Kasaragod set for new harbour projects and stronger coastal protection

Kasaragod, Kerala’s northernmost district, is set to receive new harbour projects and intensified coastal protection measures to tackle persistent erosion and bolster fishing infrastructure. The decision follows a review meeting led by Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor, who said the Fisheries and Harbour Engineering departments will take time-bound action on the issues affecting the district’s harbours.

The minister noted that Kasaragod has the longest coastline in Kerala, which makes it particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion. To counter this, stronger protection measures, including the placement of tetrapods along vulnerable stretches, will be implemented. The meeting also considered ways to initiate new harbour development projects while finding immediate solutions to the problems facing existing facilities.

One of the major projects discussed was the proposed Ajanur fishing harbour. A detailed proposal has already been drawn up, and it will be submitted this year for funding under the NABARD scheme or the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This project is expected to require substantial financial outlay.

At Thrikkannad, the minister directed officials to take urgent measures to prevent seawater from reaching the State highway during periods of high tide and rough sea. The situation has raised concerns among local residents, who face frequent inundation.

Gafoor also said the government is examining an upward revision of financial assistance for families who lose their homes and land to coastal erosion. At present, the assistance is ₹10 lakh, but rising land prices and construction costs have rendered this amount inadequate for families to rebuild. An appropriate revision is being seriously considered, he added.

In Keezhur, the dilapidated bund leading to the groyne has caused problems for the Kasaragod fishing harbour. The minister said emergency protection measures would be taken in coordination with the Major Irrigation department. The issue has received special attention from the local MLA.

The review also covered several other harbour schemes. The foundation stone for the harbour development project at Cheruvathur (Madakkara) will be laid soon. In Manjeswaram, a proposal has been submitted for a bridge and a low-level jetty. For the Kasaragod harbour development project, estimated at ₹3.6 crore, the minister instructed officials to complete pending works within a fixed timeframe.

In a directive aimed at improving efficiency, Gafoor told officials to abandon the practice of leaving completed projects unused until a formal inauguration ceremony is held. Harbours should be opened for public use immediately after construction is completed. The meeting also agreed that fishermen and other stakeholders should be consulted before proceeding with future projects.

The review meeting was attended by Kasaragod MLA Kallatra Mahin and IUML leader P.M. Muneer Haji.