Thiruvananthapuram: Expressing concern over recurring accidents at the Muthalapozhi breakwater, the Kerala State Commission for Minorities has directed the Chief Secretary to personally supervise and coordinate urgent safety works at the site. The Commission asked the state’s top bureaucrat to ensure effective coordination among all concerned departments so that the breakwater is made safe and accident-free at the earliest.
The direction comes after the Commission observed that despite its repeated interventions over the past two years, authorities have failed to implement several critical safety measures, resulting in continued risks to fishermen operating from the Muthalapozhi fishing harbour.
Commission Took Suo Motu Cognizance in 2024
The Commission, headed by Chairman A.A. Rasheed, heard the matter during a sitting at its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.
It noted that it had taken suo motu cognisance of the recurring accidents at Muthalapozhi in 2024, based on media reports highlighting repeated mishaps involving fishing boats.
Since then, the Commission has been continuously monitoring the issue and issuing directions regarding essential infrastructure works, including sand dredging and improvements to the breakwater.
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Chief Secretary Asked to Ensure Inter-Departmental Coordination
The Commission directed the Chief Secretary to supervise all urgent works by ensuring proper coordination among departments such as the Harbour Engineering Department, district administration and other concerned agencies.
According to the Commission, the lack of coordination between departments has delayed both infrastructure improvements and relief measures for affected fishermen.
Adani Ports Funds Secured Through Commission’s Intervention
The Commission noted that one of its major interventions led to the mobilisation of funds from Adani Ports authorities for increasing the depth of the river mouth.
The dredging was aimed at reducing navigation hazards and preventing accidents involving fishing vessels entering or leaving the harbour.
However, despite securing financial support, the Commission said the expected improvements have not been completed.
Authorities Failed to Complete Dredging Before Monsoon
The Commission expressed disappointment that the district administration and the Harbour Engineering Department, which had earlier assured that sand removal would be completed before the onset of the monsoon, failed to fulfil their commitment.
Officials reportedly cited the breakdown of the dredging equipment as the reason for not carrying out the work.
The Commission observed that this failure has further exposed fishermen to safety risks during the monsoon season.
Lack of Coordination Delayed Relief and Safety Measures
The Commission strongly criticised the absence of coordination among government departments.
It observed that because of poor inter-departmental coordination:
- Financial assistance sanctioned by the government for families of fishermen who lost their lives has not been fully isbursed.
- Several planned safety measures at the breakwater remain incomplete.
- Monitoring of ongoing works has been inadequate.
According to the Commission, these shortcomings have contributed to the continued vulnerability of fishermen using the harbour.
₹177 Crore PMMSY Project Progress Slow
The Commission also pointed out that the Central Government had already granted administrative sanction of ₹177 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for various infrastructure works.
These include:
- Extension of the southern breakwater.
- Other measures aimed at improving navigation safety and harbour infrastructure.
Despite the availability of funds, the Commission observed that progress on the project has remained slow.
District Administration Criticised
The Commission further criticised the district administration for failing to ensure regular supervision of the works.
It observed that closer monitoring and timely coordination could have expedited the execution of safety measures and prevented delays.
Reiterating the urgency of the matter, the Commission directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that all concerned departments work together to complete the pending works and improve safety standards at Muthalapozhi.
