Infrastructure in fishing sector will be strengthened: CM

Kochi, Mar 24 (UNI) Reiterating his Government's resolution to develop the fishing sector in the state, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said the basic infrastructure would be strengthened with the completion of the ongoing projects in nine districts of the state in 2009.

Addressing a gathering, after laying the foundation stone of the 'Mini Fishing Harbour' at Chellanam near here, he said ''the LDF Government is committed to provide all facilities for the development of the fishing sector and has enacted three laws for the upliftment and welfare of thousands of fishermen in the State.'' The Government was developing six fishing harbours, including one in Koyilandi, he added.

Mr Achuthanandan said projects like Vallarpadam, LNG Terminal, would take the state to a higher growth trajectory.

The work on the Kollam-Kovalam waterway would be completed in the near future, as part of the Government's effort to revive water transport in the state, he added.

The 'Mini Fishing Harbour,' part of the tsunami-rehabilitation programme, would generate employment to around 20,000 fishermen and would be completed in 11 months' time.

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