Will turn Kerala into a port city through Mission Samudra: Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said that the state government aims to turn Kerala into a port city through Mission Samudra. He was inaugurating the 'Mission Samudra' conclave organised by the Kerala Kaumudi Kollam unit at Lemon Tree Premier Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. The conclave focused on Kollam's maritime potential and development opportunities.

Kerala's international and minor ports offer immense development opportunities, the Chief Minister said. The first phase of Mission Samudra will focus on developing five mini ports, with Kollam Port playing a key role. The government will give special attention to development beyond the port premises, as port expansion is expected to create significant employment opportunities across the state. The government will also introduce job reservations for the children of people living in coastal areas. A development corridor will be launched with Kollam Port as its centre.

The Chief Minister said port development would be implemented in a way that could contribute 40 per cent of Kerala's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking at the event, Minister Bindu Krishna said Kollam had been a prominent trading centre since ancient times. She praised Kerala Kaumudi for its efforts to explore development opportunities for the district.

Minister P. C. Vishnunath also appreciated Kerala Kaumudi for supporting Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan's ambitious project. He said the newspaper's efforts to revive Kollam and accelerate its development were commendable.

Kerala Kaumudi Chief Editor Deepu Ravi presided over the function. The Chief Minister presented awards to individuals who had excelled in various fields. Deepu Ravi also presented mementoes from Kerala Kaumudi to the Chief Minister and Ministers P. C. Vishnunath and Bindu Krishna.

Kerala Kaumudi Resident Editor and Unit Chief S. Radhakrishnan delivered the welcome address, while Kollam Bureau Chief B. Unnikrishnan proposed the vote of thanks. Kaumudy TV Deputy Editor Leo Radhakrishnan moderated the event.