Sun Feb 15 19:54:25 UTC 2026: ### Kerala Tourism Project Stalls, Threatening Fort Kochi’s Iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
The Story:
A decade-old project aimed at renovating the iconic Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi beach in Kerala faces potential collapse due to bureaucratic delays and funding issues. With only six months remaining before the tourist season, stakeholders fear that the iconic nets will not be operational, potentially jeopardizing the ₹2.40-crore project intended to revitalize Fort Kochi’s image. The delay has also impacted the livelihoods of over 100 fishermen who rely on the nets.
Key Points:
- The ₹2.40-crore renovation project, funded by Kerala Tourism and implemented by KITCO, is significantly delayed.
- Bureaucratic red tape has stalled the payment of just over ₹5 lakh to workers who completed preparatory renovation work.
- The Fort Kochi Chinese Net Owners’ Association is urging Kerala Tourism and KITCO to expedite fund disbursement and material procurement.
- Long forest teak logs and nets readied by Matsyafed over a year ago are at risk of damage due to the delay.
- Over 100 fishermen are affected by the delay, impacting their livelihoods.
- Administrative sanction for the project had to be reissued in December 2025, requiring fresh agreements.
- Some operators have resorted to replacing damaged teak logs with iron pipes, compromising the traditional aesthetics.
Key Takeaways:
- Bureaucratic inefficiencies and delayed fund disbursement are crippling essential tourism projects in Kerala.
- The delay highlights a lack of coordination between Kerala Tourism, KITCO, and local stakeholders.
- The aesthetic integrity of Fort Kochi’s iconic Chinese fishing nets is at risk due to the use of non-traditional materials.
- The livelihoods of local fishermen are directly impacted by the stalled project, underscoring the socio-economic importance of tourism infrastructure.
- Impending Assembly elections could further exacerbate the delays due to the model code of conduct.
First Piper 