The State government hopes to kick off the offshore breakwater project in Thiruvananthapuram district from Poonthura by the end of September, Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma has said.
Addressing fishermen organisations, the Minister justified the project stating that it was scientifically designed and would not impede fishing activity.
It was finalised after several months of study by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). The success of a similar project in Cuddalore had prompted the State government to launch discussions in this regard, she said. The project is being implemented in Poonthura, Valiyathura, Beemapally and Shangumugham. The geotube structures would be deployed 20 metres off the coastline. Ahead of its implementation, the government also plans to hold discussions in the four localities, she said.