Sakthikulangara-Neendakara region gets multiple projects

The State government has ensured comprehensive development in coastal regions through various projects over the past decade, Minister for Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Affairs Saji Cherian said here on Tuesday. He was inaugurating multiple projects including a shopping complex, wharf, and a boat building yard at Sakthikulangara. The Minister, who also laid the foundation stone for a net manufacturing factory at Neendakara, added that Matsyafed has been instrumental in eliminating middleman exploitation in the coastal sector, thereby securing the socio-economic advancement of the fishing community. He pointed out the success of the ‘Punargeham’ project in providing housing for coastal residents and noted that various Matsyafed ventures are currently operating with significant financial profitability.

“Schools and hospitals in the region have been upgraded with world-class infrastructure. Through the ‘Thozhiltheeram’ initiative, employment opportunities have been created specifically for women in the sector. Additionally, financial assistance for higher education and skill development programmes have been implemented to empower the youth within the community,” he said.

The new net manufacturing center at Neendakara is expected to generate employment for 150 people and produce 450 tonnes of various types of nets annually. The Harbour Engineering department oversaw the construction of the ₹10-crore shopping complex, which spans 688 square feet across two floors and houses 27 shop rooms. Mr. Cherian added that the ₹8.82-crore investment in the Sakthikulangara Kallumpuram boat building yard, net mending shed, administrative block, and wharf would ensure sustained growth for the region. The event was presided over by Sujith Vijayan Pillai, MLA. Other attendees included councillor Deepu Gangadharan, Matsyafed chairperson T. Manoharan and managing director P. Sahadevan.