Parliament Question: Construction of Sea Wall in Coastal Areas of Ernakulam district of Kerala

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2668 TO BE ANSWERED ON 5TH AUGUST, 2025 Construction of Sea Wall in Coastal Areas of Ernakulam district of Kerala

2668. Shri Hibi Eden:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased

to state:

(a) whether there is any proposals for the construction of a sea wall to protect the coastal areas of Ernakulam district in Kerala;

(b) if so, the number of such proposals are pending with the Government and the steps being taken by the Government for their approval;

(c) the areas in Ernakulam district which are under consideration of the Government for such construction;

(d) whether any specific changes and improvements are expected in the two coastal villages of Ernakulam district that have been selected by the Government under climate- resilient coastal villages;

(e) whether the timeline for the completion of the development of these two villages in Ernakulam district has been finalized and if so, the time by which it is likely to be completed;

(f) whether the fund allocated for 100 climate-resilient coastal villages in the country will be sufficient for their comprehensive development; and

(g) if so, the total funds sanctioned and allocated amount and total financial allocation for each village and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI GEORGE KURIAN)

(a): The flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matysa Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India envisages various infrastructure facilities including construction/expansion of fishing harbours and fish landing centres. The fishing harbours and fish landing centres developed under PMMSY inter alia comprise 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. 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 based on the local needs.

As standalone shore protection works like seawalls, groynes etc. are not covered under the fisheries development scheme implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, no proposal received by this Department for the construction of a sea wall to protect the coastal areas of Ernakulam district in Kerala.(b) & (c): Does not arise.

(d): The Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to develop the existing 100 fishermen villages situated close to the coastline in various States and Union Territories (UTs), including Kerala, into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV), to make them economically vibrant fishermen villages. It envisages need-based interventions focused on promoting climate resilience through creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities, developing fisheries infrastructure, enhancing safety and security for fishermen, fostering fisheries entrepreneurship, and improving the quality of life in coastal fishing villages.

Under this component, six coastal villages have been approved to Kerala which include two villages in Ernakulum district namely Njarakkal and Edavanakkad. Based on the gap analysis study, and the DPR received from the State, the proposal of the Government of Kerala for the development of these six villages at a total cost of Rs 12 crores have been approved and the first installment of Rs 3 crores have been released. The Government of Kerala has informed that the specific changes and improvements expected include the construction of hygienic fish markets to enhance fish marketing standards and fisherfolk income, installation of marine solar-grade lighting for safer and efficient fishing activities, distribution of fish vending kiosks to support fisherwomen's livelihoods, promotion of brackish water aquaculture to increase fish availability and biodiversity, and the establishment of a dedicated fishermen support center for weather warnings, safety measures, and fish catch trends.

(e): The Administrative Approval for two villages in Ernakulam district has been issued in January, 2025. The Government of Kerala informed that the works are in progress and shall be completed in one year.

(f) & (g): The development of CRCFV has been taken up under the Central Sector Scheme Component of PMMSY with a unit cost of Rs 200 lakh per fishing village, and the entire cost (100%) is met by the Government of India. Need-based infrastructure and livelihood support programmes to be taken up against the outlay are identified and prioritized for each village through detailed gap analysis study. Additionally, the guidelines of the CRCFV component includes provisions for convergence with various Central and State schemes, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund and other such sources to maximize the outcomes and utilize financial resources effectively. A total of ₹12 crore has been sanctioned to the State, based on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by the State Government, for the development of six villages—including two in Ernakulam District—at ₹2 crore per village. Of this, ₹3 crore has already been released as the first instalment *****