Kerala - Kochi   

Central funds sought to develop coast

KOCHI: The State government has sought Central funds of Rs.163 crore for projects to develop the State coast, Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran has said.

Speaking here on Sunday after handing over Muziris, a ‘jhankar’ built by the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (under the Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme), to the Thrissur district panchayat, he said that the government had plans to purchase boats and other safety mechanisms worth Rs.7.5 crore to rush help to coastal people in case of incidents like tsunami.

“As of now, we are encountering problems while seeking the help of agencies like the navy. In a fortnight, we will take possession of the second jhankar built by the corporation. The government will soon entrust more boat-building works to the KSINC.”

Mr. Rajendran said that the Centre had sanctioned a total of Rs.1,441 crore for tsunami relief and rehabilitation work.

“We need to complete the schemes by April, 2009. The jhankar service will be withdrawn once the Munambam-Azhikode bridge is ready,” the Minister said.

Muziris will be put in service between Munambam and Azhikode, while the second jhankar will be operated at Alapad, near Kollam. Muziris was built in three months, against the contracted period of six months.

It can accommodate four heavy vehicles, three light vehicles and over 50 two-wheelers. The vessel has a speed of eight knots and can also carry passengers.

In his presidential address, K.V. Thomas, MLA, lauded the work culture in the KSINC.

“The corporation is a role model for the other public-sector undertakings.” K Babu, MLA, and corporation chairman B.R. Menon too spoke.

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