Among 15,024 COVID cases, 14,510 patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals so far in the district, where 305 patients succumbed to the virus. As of now, 193 COVID active cases are being treated in hospitals, the officials said.

Since, Thiruvananthapuram, in neighboring Kerala is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Health Department staff have been instructed to intensify tests on interstate travelers as a precautionary measure. The state government would continue with all required steps to contain COVID-19 further, the Chief Minister said.

As the situation has been under control in Kanniyakumari, the Chief Minister gave his nod for resuming tourism and announced that a hanging bridge between Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue would be built at a cost of Rs 35 crore.

To benefit fishermen, groynes would be constructed at Kalkulam, Mandaikadu, Chinnathurai, Poothurai, Kovalam, Alikal, Mel Midalam, Enayam and Agastheeswaram, he announced. Sea wall construction is underway at 30 locations to prevent erosion. Moreover, 11 fishing boats damaged during the Ockhi cyclone would be replaced and 100 fishermen were given satellite phones. Killiyur and Thiruvattar were carved out as new taluks too.. Of 46,274 petitions received during CM special grievance programmes, 11,366 have been accepted and solved, he said.

Talking to reporters, he said talks are on with Kerala to channelize water to benefit farmers in Kanniyakumari and also river linking projects. To queries, he said the detained fishing boats, which remained in good condition in Sri Lanka were brought back and only as per directive of court worn out boats were ordered to be destroyed.

Earlier, the Chief Minister laid foundation for 36 infrastructure development projects through various departments at an estimated cost of Rs.60.44 crore and also inaugurated 21 new development projects at a cost of Rs.153.92 crore.