THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : When massive floods hit Kerala submerging most of its settlements, the fishermen became heroes of the land plying boats, swimming and engaging in dramatic rescue that saved hundreds of lives. Following the endearing courage that was witnessed on broadcasts world over, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan promised to secure the lives of these brave men and their families in turn. That promise came true on Thursday as CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated Punargeham project – the Rs 2,450 crore project that will rehabilitate 18,685 fisher folk families living within 50 meters of tidal line, across nine coastal districts to safer locations.
18,685 families had been identified for the scheme through a special survey carried out by the Fisheries Department. 421 acre land has been marked for the purpose. The project will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will rehabilitate 8,487 families at a cost of Rs 998 crore. The second phase will house 5,099 and another 5,099 families will be rehabilitated in the third phase, spending Rs 797 crore and Rs 655 crore respectively.
The govt is obliged to ensure safety and social security of the fisherfolks who saved lives of the multitude, CM said as he presented the fishermen with documents entitling them to project. The men who brave life and seas would never be abandoned. The govt is always by the side to take care of their life, livelihood, properties and education, he added.
The event held amid festivities on sands of Shankumugham was multifaceted.
For those who had been hit by Ockhi, Revenue Minister E Chasekharan distributed 120 FRP fishing set per unit. A unit comprises four fishermen and FRP set includes FRP Boats, 2 outboard engines, fishing nets, fishing rods and safety gear.
At the event, Deputy Speaker V Sashi inaugurated distribution of bicycles to 2000 students from the coastal community. This was funded by Petrnonet LNG Ltd as part of its CSR(Corporate Social Responsibility).
Minister for Fisheries ,J Mercykuttyamma, who presided at the function congratulated the coastal people for have been allowed Rs 1,398 crore from Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, towards the Punargeham project.
Principal Secretary to the Fisheries Department ,Usha Rai, presented her report at the function. Other speakers at the function included MLAs K Ansalan, V Joy, Mayor K Sreekumar, Palayam Imam VP Suhaib Maulvi, Chairman to Matsya Federation PP Chitharanjan, Chairman to Fish Workers Welfare Fund CP Kunjumon, Collectoor K Gopalkrishnan, PA Sheikh Parit, Pulvilla Stanley, T Peter, E Kennedy and Hudson Fernandes. The welcome note was delivered by Fisheries Director S Venkatesapathi.
