Kerala Minority Commission Demands Financial Support for Fishermen Families After Tragic Harbor Accidents
The Kerala State Minority Commission has issued a strong call for immediate financial assistance to be provided to the families of fishermen who tragically lost their lives in a series of devastating accidents at Muthalapozhi harbor. The commission emphasized the critical need for both urgent relief measures and comprehensive long-term safety solutions to prevent further tragedies in this coastal region.
Commission Session Addresses Harbor Safety Concerns
A formal sitting of the minority panel was conducted at the commission's court hall in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, where Chairman A A Rasheed presided over multiple petitions. During these important proceedings, the panel specifically initiated a suo motu case concerning the repeated and alarming accidents that have been consistently reported at Muthalapozhi harbor over recent months.
Dredging Progress and Safety Assessments
The chief engineer of the harbor engineering department provided crucial updates to the commission members, informing them that dredging operations to remove accumulated sand from both the harbor mouth and channel are currently advancing at a rapid pace. According to the engineer's detailed report, approximately 60% of the essential dredging work has already been successfully completed, with firm assurances that the remaining 40% will be fully finished by the conclusive end of this current month.
In a separate but related development, a comprehensive report submitted by the Coastal Police Chief indicated that there are presently no immediately dangerous conditions existing at the harbor mouth. However, the police report strongly recommended that the dredging operations must be entirely completed before the anticipated onset of the monsoon season to ensure the area becomes fully safe for all maritime activities and fishing operations.
Commission Directives and Administrative Actions
Following these detailed presentations and assessments, the minority commission issued clear directives to the district administration, instructing them to convene an urgent meeting of all concerned officials. The commission emphasized that all necessary administrative steps must be taken immediately to guarantee the timely and efficient completion of these critical harbor safety works.
Financial Assistance Proposal Under Active Consideration
Meanwhile, the Director of Fisheries provided significant information to the commission regarding financial support for affected families. The director confirmed that a formal proposal to provide substantial financial assistance to fishermen who were either killed or seriously injured in these harbor accidents is currently under active consideration by the state's Disaster Management Department. This proposal represents a crucial component of the relief efforts being coordinated across multiple government agencies.
The commission has also established an accessible complaint submission system, noting that concerned citizens and affected parties can submit their grievances and reports through WhatsApp at the dedicated number 9746515133, ensuring transparent communication channels remain open throughout this process.
