The Centre has officially approved a comprehensive development project for the fishing harbour at Muthalapozhi, a coastal hamlet recently highlighted due to several fishing boat accidents. Located at Perumathura, where the Vamanapuram River and Kadinamkulam Lake meet the Arabian Sea, Muthalapozhi has become a perilous area for fishermen.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, George Kurian, announced the approval of the Rs 177 crore project on Sunday, based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by the state government. The funding will be allocated on a 60:40 basis, with Rs 106.2 crore provided under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), while the state's share will be Rs 70.80 crore.

The harbour expansion will accommodate 415 mechanised fishing boats, enabling the import of 38,142 metric tonnes of fish annually. Approximately 10,000 people will benefit directly from the project, with an equal number benefiting indirectly.

Of the total budget, Rs 164 crore will be invested in various infrastructure initiatives, including modernizing internal roads, establishing new drainage systems, creating parking areas, and renovating loading zones. The remaining funds will support coastal protection initiatives and the implementation of a smart green port project. The state government will oversee the execution of this multi-crore harbour development.

Kurian also urged the state government to take all necessary precautions to prevent further accidents at Muthalapozhi. Additionally, the Centre has selected six fishing hamlets in Kerala for its Climate Resilient Village programme and plans to modernize five ports in the state.