Rs 8.25 crore project for Development of Azheekal port

Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 (UNI) Kerala Minister for Ports Development M Vijayakumar told the State Assembly today that the Azheekal port in Kannur district would be developed for which a Rs 8.25 crore project was under implementation.

Replying to a submission by Mr M Prakasan Master (CPI-M), he said a passenger terminal would also be constructed there to start passenger ship service between Azheekal and Lakshadweep islands.

He said the project, being implemented by the State Construction Corporation, would be completed under a time-bound programme.

Replying to another submission by Mr K C Kunhirama (CPI-M), Forest Minister Binoy Viswam said Central assistance would be sought under 'Project Elephant' to dig trenches in Wynad forests to protect life and property of the people from the attack of wild animals.

Even though 143 km of electric fencing had been done there, it was found not effective to deter the animals, he said.

Labour Minister P K Gurudasan told Mr Pallipram Balan (CPI) that speedy steps would be taken for the resuscitation of the beedi industry in Kannur and Kasaragod districts where nearly 20,000 people remained unemployed because of the crisis in the industry.

UNI PMM1409