Vizhinjam project: Kerala government allocates Rs 9.57 crore for livelihood compensation and infrastructure development

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has sanctioned Rs 9.57 crore for livelihood compensation and infrastructure development in connection with the Vizhinjam project. The funds have been allocated to fishermen who had not yet received compensation as part of the project.

Traditional fishermen using small boats will receive Rs 4.2 lakh each, totaling Rs 2.01 crore. Additionally, 15 employees of the Kadaltheeram resort will be granted Rs 2.50 lakh each, amounting to Rs 37.5 lakh. A total of Rs 2.39 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose.

An amount of Rs 87.5 lakh has been allocated for the construction of a playground for fishermen near the Vizhinjam harbor. Compensation has also been granted to Karamadi workers, Karamadi women laborers, and mussel laborers, with Rs 7.18 crore set aside for them.

In total, Rs 9.57 crore in financial assistance is being distributed. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian stated that the Vizhinjam project is a milestone in Kerala’s development. He emphasized that the financial aid demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the affected local residents and fishermen who had to make sacrifices for the project.