Keralam’s Kasaragod to get new port projects, stronger coastal protection measures

The fisheries and harbor engineering departments will take time-bound measures to address coastal erosion and other problems affecting fishing harbors in Kasaragod, Fisheries Minister VE Abdul Gafoor said after the review meeting.

The meeting discussed bringing new port development projects to the district while seeking urgent solutions to problems affecting existing facilities. As Kasaragod, which has the longest coastline in Kerala, is facing severe coastal erosion, stricter coastal protection measures will be introduced, including the use of tetrapods, the minister said.

A detailed design of the Ajanur Fishing Port, a major project requiring substantial funds, has already been prepared. The proposal will be submitted for funding under NABARD or Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) this year, the minister said.

The minister also directed the officials to take urgent measures in Thrikkannad where sea water is reaching up to the state highway under rough sea conditions.

The minister said the government is considering increasing financial assistance to families who lose their homes due to coastal erosion. The existing land and house assistance is ₹10,000, but due to rising land prices and construction costs, this amount is not enough to secure a new home. The government is seriously considering an appropriate review of the aid, he added.

At Keezhur, the deteriorating shed leading to the breakwater has adversely affected the fishing port of Kasaragod. As the matter has been given special attention by the MLA, extra protective measures will be taken in coordination with the Main Irrigation Department.

Several other port projects were also reviewed. At Cheruvathur (Madakkara) the foundation stone of the port development will be laid soon. A proposal for a bridge and a low-level jetty has been submitted at Manjeswaram. Regarding the Kasaragod port development project estimated at ₹ 3.6 crore, the officials have been directed to complete the remaining work within the stipulated time frame.

The minister also directed officials to abandon the practice of letting completed projects wait for formal inauguration. The ports should be open for use once construction is complete. The meeting also decided that fishermen and other stakeholders should be consulted before proceeding with the projects.

Kasaragod MLA Kallatra Mahin and IUML leader PM Muneer Haji were present.

Published – 8 Sep 2026 21:09 IST