Union govt. commits to protecting marine ecosystem of Kollam from effects of mining

Union Minister for Fisheries Rajeev Ranjan Singh has said that stringent legal frameworks are in place to prevent the adverse impacts of coastal mining on the marine ecosystem. Responding to a question raised by N.K. Premachandran, MP, in the Lok Sabha regarding the protection of the Kollam coastline, the Union Minister assured the MP that the government is committed to ensuring environmental conservation and adhering to all existing regulations to curb destructive mining activities.

Addressing the livelihood crisis faced by Kerala’s traditional fishermen due to dwindling fish stocks, the Minister said a massive development package of ₹1,418.51 crore has been sanctioned for various projects in Kerala under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This includes financial assistance for 20 deep-sea fishing vessels, the installation of 42 artificial reefs to boost biodiversity, and the establishment of 1,140 bivalve cultivation units. Additionally, the plan approves 780 biofloc units and 708 recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) to provide alternative livelihood options for the coastal community.

The Minister further highlighted the social security measures being implemented, noting that 1,71,033 livelihood support packages have been approved for fishers during the annual fishing ban in the State. Kerala will also get six integrated modern coastal villages designed to withstand climate change, along with 10 Matsya Seva Kendras and 222 sagar mitras.

Regarding the demand for subsidised kerosene for fishing boats, the Minister clarified that the allocation is decided by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas under the Public Distribution Superior Kerosene Oil (PDS-SKO) policy. Outlining the infrastructure upgrades earmarked for Kerala’s fisheries sector, the Minister said that the projects include modernisation of seven fishing harbors, maintenance dredging for six existing ports, and the establishment of 16 ice plants and cold storage facilities. To improve the supply chain, 468 transport vehicles, two wholesale markets, 90 fish kiosks, 10 value added product manufacturing units and 77 live fish vending centres too have been allotted.