The Hindu Business Line : Move to modernise Cochin Fisheries Harbour

THE State Fisheries Department is planning to convene a meeting on the modernisation of Cochin Fisheries Harbour to regain its position as a commercial centre in the State, Mr Domnic Presentation, State Fisheries Minister, has said.

The problems facing the fishing harbour have already been discussed with the Kochi Port Chairman and the Minister has sought the co-operation of the business community for the modernisation programme as part of recovering the lost commercial importance of the western part of Kochi, he said.

Addressing the 107th annual session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Minister pointed out that the Fisheries sector is beset with problems and his Ministry would approach the Union Government to extent the limit of the Special Economic Zone up to Munambam which at present is confined only in four Panchayats in Aroor.

He was of the view that a master plan has to be evolved for the overall development of the fast growing Kochi city.

In his address, Mr P.M. Muaraleedharan, President of the Chamber, pointed out the western part of Kochi is once an ancient commercial city and its importance is slowly fading out. Due to declining commercial activities, several areas in Mattancherry wore a deserted look.

He requested the State Government to provide special attention so as to properly utilise the available facilities in the area like storage spaces, tourist attraction centres etc considering the various upcoming projects in the surrounding region.

Referring to the problems of fishermen, the Chamber President pointed out that lack of basic amenities, drinking water shortage and house damage caused by sea erosion are some of serious problems faced by the fishing community in the coastal belt.

He urged the Minister to take sincere efforts in sorting out these issues so as to alleviate the miseries of the fishing folk. He also requested the Minister to convert the Veli Maidan at Fort Kochi as a stadium and to develop a synthetic track there.

More Stories on : Aquaculture | Shipping | Kerala

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
ICAR, CCMB develop disease-resistant rice strain

Ciphet promises farm aid

Move to modernise Cochin Fisheries Harbour

Bid to check rise in tamarind prices in AP

Rubber rates firm

E.I.D. Parry's sweet experiments pay off

40 lakh t sugar released under free sale quota

Nabard sanctions drought relief to Kerala

Rise in Bt cotton area key to record output

Oilseeds output pegged at 197 lakh t

`Cluckers' chicken products from Venkateshwara's coop

Pepper up on buying support

Seminar on livestock sector in Thiruvananthapuram