Parliament Question: Coastal Erosion in Kerala

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. *331 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12TH AUGUST, 2025 Coastal Erosion in Kerala *331: Shri Benny Behanan: Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing coastal erosion in Kerala and its impact on fishing communities, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether any central assistance or rehabilitation package has been sanctioned for displaced fisherfolk during the last five years; and (c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRYAND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) to (c): A Statement is placed on the Table of the House. *****Statement referred to in reply to the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. *331 put in by Shri Benny Behanan, Member of Parliament for answer on 12th August, 2025 regarding Coastal Erosion in Kerala (a) to (c): Some stretches of India’s shoreline are subject to varying degree of erosion due to natural causes or anthropogenic activities. The coastal erosion does affect the coastal communities residing in the erosion prone areas including fishermen communities. The matter on coastal erosion and resettlement of displaced people affected by erosion does not come under the ambit of the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, under its flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matysa Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) envisaged various activities for overall development of fisheries and socio-economic wellbeing of fishers and fish farmers including support for creation of livelihood opportunities such as replacement of boats and nets to traditional fishermen, up-gradation of existing fishing vessels for export competency, acquisition of deep-sea fishing vessels, alternative/additional livelihood activities like seaweed culture & bivalve culture, cage culture, ornamental units, training & skill development, support towards cold-chain and marketing facilities like fish markets, fish kiosk etc. Besides, in order to ensure safety of fishers, support under PMMSY is provided for communication/tracking devices, sea-safety kits, livelihood and nutritional support for socio-economically backward and active traditional fisher’s families during fish ban/lean periods, Group Accident Insurance to fishers etc. In addition, the Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) initiative of PMMSY inter-alia envisages shore protection works like short groyne or any technologically advance structures as one of the facilities for development along with other activities on need basis. During last 5 years (2020-21 to 2024- 25) under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the DoF, GoI has approved fisheries developmental proposals of Government of Kerala amounting to Rs. 1347.55 crore. The PMMSY also provides support for development of fisheries infrastructure including construction/expansion of fishing harbours and fish landing centres, which inter-alia comprise development of need based waterside and landside facilities like breakwaters, training walls and groynes primarily to create shelter and tranquil basin for smooth operations of fishery activities, protect the lives and assets of fishermen during the rough weather and natural calamities. The Department of Fisheries, Government of India under PMMSY has so far accorded approvals to 12 numbers of fishing harbour/fish landing centres projects in State of Kerala with a total project cost of Rs.507.28 crore. Approval has also been accorded to another proposal of Government of Kerala for development of Arthungal Fishing Harbour at a total cost of Rs 161 crore under Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). Further, as on date 10,291 Nos of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) have been sanctioned to the fishers beneficiaries in Kerala. The Government of Kerala has reported about the coastal stretches prone to coastal erosion in various places in Kerala. On the basis of the report, the National Centre for Coastal Research (under Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India) has taken up a detailed study of area prone to coastal erosion for identifying suitable protection method. It is further reported that, keeping in view of the recurring sea attack incidents in the above areas, the Government of Kerala has already taken up various protection works such as reformation of damaged seawall at vulnerable reaches, maintenance works of coastal seawalls, coastal protection works and protection works to houses using geobags. As reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in order to mitigate the risk of erosion, the 15th Finance Commission had recommended an allocation of Rs.1,500 crore from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) for the award period 2021-22 to 2025-26 and Rs.1000 crore from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for resettlement of displaced people affected by erosion. The relief for Damaged House/ Huts is provided under NDRF/SDRF on account of disaster as per MHA OM No. 33-03/2020-NDM-I (Vol-II) dated 10th October, 2022 and fisheries sector is also included thereunder. *****