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Kerala Kaumudi Online
Friday, 29 March 2024 8.39 PM IST

Do not waste opportunities

seaport
seaport

The government is planning to attract investors in the development of small seaports in the state. Though this initiative should have begun a long time ago, it is fortunate that planning has become at least now. A state which has a 600 km coastline, forty-four rivers, lakes, and other water bodies has a huge potential for tourism and the movement of goods.

It is not the lack of investors but the initiative to attract investors is lacking in the state. The mindset in Kerala, which frowns upon private investors, is the reason our state is lacking development when compared to other states. The belief that every sector must be under government is outdated now. That is why government authorities travel to foreign countries to attract investments.

Attractive projects were already there to develop small seaports to transport goods. However, it did not materialize due to a lack of willpower. There is huge development potential in small ports like Kollam, Beypore, Azhikal, Vizhingam, Ponnani, etc. Transportation of goods through seaports is highly beneficial. The Government had announced the connecting of ports to transport goods. However, there weren’t many investors who came forward to take advantage of this opportunity.

Now the government has invited private investors to develop small seaports. Many investors had shown interest in the project during a program conducted by Maritime Board in Dubai. It is a welcome sign that many investors have shown interest in the project. Twenty individuals are asked to submit proposals for the project. Kollam port, which has high potential, will be given priority.

Developing small ports will not only reduce the cost of good transportation but will also boost the tourism sector. Most of the revenue from tourism comes from inland. The diversity of waterways can attract a huge number of tourists from across the world. Job opportunities will increase together with an increase in the state’s revenue.

In addition, this will be a source of permanent income for those who depend on the sea for a living. The government must give full support to those who are interested to invest in this sector. If issues arise, like the one we see at Vizhingam, then the investors will pack up and leave. If we persist in the behavior of blocking every project that is brought to the state, then there will be no one to save Kerala.

Let us not waste any opportunity to develop.

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TAGS: SMALL SEAPORT, GOVERNMENT, INVESTORS, WATERWAYS, TOURISM, GOODS TRANSPORT, KOLLAM, VIZHINGAM, BEYPORE
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