Wed Apr 16 13:45:53 UTC 2025: ## New Modern Harbor to Revitalize Kerala Fishing Community
**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – April 16, 2025** – The Kerala State government announced plans to construct a modern harbor at Muthalapozhy, a crucial fishing center 26 km from Thiruvananthapuram, to alleviate the distress of the local fishing community. Construction is slated to begin Thursday, with completion expected by 2027.
The announcement follows months of hardship for Muthalapozhy fishers due to a dangerously shallow harbor mouth caused by a submerged sandbar. This has resulted in at least 14 deaths, numerous injuries, and the loss of substantial fishing equipment since 2022, according to government figures. The perilous conditions forced many fishermen to cease operations, leaving 177 boats idle and exacerbating unemployment and economic hardship in the area.
Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, after meeting with concerned fishermen, stated that dredging operations at the harbor mouth will be significantly increased, from 10 to 20 hours daily, utilizing the Kerala Maritime Board’s Chandragiri dredger and six additional Hitachi long boom dredgers. The government is also allocating funds from the State Disaster Management Authority to address sandbar formation affecting other coastal localities, including Vakkom, Chirayankeezhu, Kadakkavoor, Anchuthengu, Azhoor, and Kadinamkulam, which contribute to tidal surges and flooding. The new harbor is expected to revitalize the local fishing economy and improve the safety of local fishermen.
First Piper 