Minority panel pulls up authorities over delays in ensuring safety at Muthalapozhi harbour

T’puram: Kerala State Commission for Minorities criticized the authorities for failing to make Muthalapozhi fishing harbour safe despite its sustained interventions over the past two years, and directed that urgent measures be taken under the supervision of chief secretary.The commission had taken up the issue suo motu in 2024 based on media reports highlighting recurring accidents at Muthalapozhi. Since then, it has issued a series of directions, including those related to sand removal and other construction works. The commission also facilitated efforts to secure financial assistance from Adani Ports for dredging the harbour entrance to increase its depth and reduce the risk of accidents.However, the commission noted that the district administration and the harbour engineering department, which had assured that dredging would be completed before the monsoon, failed to carry out the work, citing a breakdown of the dredger.It also observed that the govt has not fully disbursed the financial assistance announced for accident victims and their families. According to the commission, lack of coordination among various govt departments remains the primary reason for the delay in ensuring safety measures and providing relief.

Although the Centre accorded administrative sanction of Rs 177 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for permanent solutions, including extension of the southern breakwater, the commission said the implementation of the project has been progressing at a slow pace. It also criticized the district administration for failing to effectively monitor the execution of the works.The commission directed authorities to expedite all pending construction works through better inter-departmental coordination and ensure that Muthalapozhi is made accident-free at the earliest under chief secretary’s supervision before closing the proceedings.