3,000 cr project for coastal development

Thiruvananthapuram, June 23 : The Kerala Government proposes to implement a Rs 3,000-crore project for the integrated developoment of the State's coastal region with special emphasis on housing, water supply, electricity connection and better sanitary facilities.

Presenting the revised budget for 2006-2007 to the State Assembly today, Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac said construction of coastal roads, fishing harbours and fish landing centres and social forestry for coastal protection would also be undertaken as part of the project, He said Rs 50 lakh would be allotted to the State Planning Board to draft schemes for diversification of coast-based jobs and for production of value-added products.

Dr Isaac said Rs one crore each had been set apart as State's share for the construction of fishing harbours at Thottapally (Alappuzha) and Quilandy (Kozhikode) for which the Cente had sanctioned a total of Rs 50.03 crore.

He said a provision of Rs two crore had been made in the budget to make available kerosene to fishermen at subsidised rates. The State- owned 'Matsyafed' would explore the possibility of importing kerosene through the State Trading Corporation for distribution among fishermen as the present supply from the Centre was only 2,500 Kilolitre against a requirement of 15,000 Kilolitre.

UNI