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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Construction of new fishing harbour at Vizhinjam set to begin in Oct
Thiruvananthapuram: Construction of a new fishing harbour at Vizhinjam is slated to begin in Oct this year. As part of it, harbour engineering department, which has been tasked with constructing a 250m seaward breakwater at a 45-degree angle costing Rs 125 crore under package 2, is set to float a tender this month. This initiative forms the second phase of the Rs 271 crore harbour project approved by state cabinet in March 2025. The first phase, package 1, entrusted to Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Limited (AVPPL), includes development of a 500m fishing berth and supporting infrastructure with a budget of Rs 146 crore. Last month, an expert committee appointed by National Green Tribunal (NGT) met with representatives of state govt to assess the project's progress. They informed the panel that the project is expected to be completed by 2027. "We have informed NGT members that work will not be scheduled around the monsoon seasons, as rough seas hinder construction. We require at least 18 months to finish both phases — harbour and breakwater. The tender will be floated this month by harbour engineering department. After signing the agreement, work will begin in Oct along with breakwater extension as part of the second phase," a senior govt official told TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kate Garraway's Husband Leaves Behind A Fortune That Makes His Cry. Weight Loss Groove Undo The authorities have prioritised engagement with the fishing community. Consultations were held with representatives of local church authorities, who agreed to the proposed project layout. Additionally, in July 2024, fishermen's groups were taken to Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) in Pune, where experts demonstrated physical model tests of the harbour design. Earlier, ports minister V N Vasavan reiterated that construction would strictly adhere to CWPRS recommendations to ensure safety and functionality. CWPRS then submitted a draft report to Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) in Nov 2024. The report suggested adding additional features, which may slightly raise the project cost, and these were assessed in the final review held earlier this year. The new harbour is designed to meet international standards, offering a range of facilities to support the fishing industry. It will include a jetty, locker rooms for storing engines and nets, an auction hall, administrative offices, toilet blocks and a canteen. Though govt has proposed a provision to launch trawling boats, the fishermen opposed it and informed that they were happy with the traditional boats. A new modern fishing harbour will be constructed in the place between the Vizhinjam International Seaport and the existing fishing harbour. According to authorities, technical expertise of Adani Group would be considered while selecting companies for the construction of the fishing port. Meanwhile, the harbour engineering department has also proposed the modernisation work of the existing harbour for Rs 98 crore. The project is expected to get financial backing from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
New Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CM Pinarayi Vijayan to launch Muthalapozhi harbour development work today
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Work on the Muthalapozhi harbour development project, aimed at enhancing fishers' safety, will begin on Thursday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the work on the I177-crore project being implemented under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. Once completed, it is expected to bring a permanent solution to the frequent accidents and other issues that have plagued the harbour as a result of unscientific construction. The redevelopment is also focused on enabling the Muthalapozhi harbour meet the standards of a 'Green and Blue Port'. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian will preside over the inaugural ceremony which will also be attended by Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian. The current Muthalapozhi fishing harbour was commissioned back in June, 2020. As part of the construction of the Vizhinjam port, the breakwater at Muthalapozhi was partially destroyed to allow for the transportation of rocks via sea for the construction of the port. Despite large-scale dredging after the harbour's commissioning, accidents and fatalities continued to rise, turning the harbour mouth into a death trap for fishers. Subsequently, the government entrusted the Central Water Power Research Station (CWPRS) to recommend safety measures. Based on the CWPRS report, the harbour engineering department submitted a detailed project report. The comprehensive development project involves extending the southern breakwater by 420 metres, repair and strengthening of breakwaters, dredging operations, and expanding wharf facilities on the Perumathura and Thazham Pulli sides.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
NMC Seeks State Nod To Regularise Vivekananda Memorial, Cites No Role In Flooding
Nagpur: The civic body has informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that it is still awaiting the Maharashtra government's decision on regularising the Swami Vivekananda Memorial at Ambazari Lake. Citing a technical study, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) reiterated that the statue did not contribute to last year's flash floods. This disclosure was made in an affidavit filed by municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari in response to a PIL filed by Ramgopal Bachuka and others. Chaudhari stated that the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune—an ISO-certified body under the Ministry of Jal Shakti—conducted a detailed physical model study of the flood-routing system in Nagpur. The report concluded that the Vivekananda statue does not obstruct water flow and was not responsible for the severe flooding on September 23, 2023. "In view of this finding, the NMC submitted a request on May 7 to the state government for the regularisation of the memorial structure. However, a decision is still awaited," the affidavit stated. It further noted that CWPRS's mathematical model study report is expected by July 31. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo The NMC also affirmed its compliance with the Dam Safety Act, 2021, taking full responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and structural integrity of the 250-year-old Ambazari Dam. "A dam safety unit has been constituted within the NMC, and works under three of the four planned phases have been completed," the affidavit stated. The completed works, costing over ₹21 crore, include the construction of retaining walls, toe drains, repairs to pitching, and a high-level bridge. The fourth phase—fabrication and installation of escape gates—is currently underway under the supervision of the state irrigation department, with financial support from the NMC. Citing Sections 20, 26, and 48 of the Dam Safety Act, the commissioner affirmed that all dam safety obligations are being met in coordination with the State Dam Safety Organization. "We remain committed to complying with all directions issued by the national and state dam safety authorities. There has been no dereliction of duty," he stated. The PIL, filed by senior citizens and civic activists, seeks accountability and safety upgrades at the Ambazari Dam following last year's floods, which affected over 28,000 families. Ambazari Dam & Vivekananda Memorial: Key Facts from NMC's Affidavit: - Dam Ownership: Ambazari Dam is 250 years old, owned by NMC - Legal Compliance: Covered under Dam Safety Act, 2021; NMC has formed a dam safety unit - Flood Study: CWPRS, Pune report states Vivekananda statue did not cause 2023 flooding - Restoration Work: ₹21.07 crore project; three out of four phases completed - Pending Action: State yet to decide on statue regularisation - Support to Irrigation Dept: Financial aid ongoing for escape gate installation - Safety Oversight: Coordination with State Dam Safety Organization continues
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
NMC didn't seek irrigation dept nod for Vivekananda statue at Ambazari, HC told
1 2 Nagpur: The Swami Vivekananda statue at Ambazari Dam was constructed without its prior permission, the irrigation department informed Bombay high court's Nagpur bench in an affidavit filed on Wednesday. The department's affidavit mentioned that the statue lies within the dam's spill (tail) channel, not in the course of the Nag River, and that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), as the dam's owner, was required to obtain necessary approvals beforehand. "It is mandatory to ensure safety compliance before any construction in such zones. The NMC was responsible for seeking approvals and adhering to the law," the affidavit by executive engineer Pranjali Tongse stated. The court was hearing a PIL (No 56/2023) filed by Ramgopal Bachuka and others. Counsel for the petitioners Tushar Mandlekar told TOI that the department confirmed the statue was erected without its consent. The affidavit stated that following the September 23, 2023 devastating flash floods, the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) was asked to assess the impact of the statue's pedestal on hydraulic flow. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The Pune-based body reported that the statue did not cause the said flooding. The division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Sachin Deshmukh observed, "The NMC seems more concerned with the safety of the Vivekananda statue than with its statutory responsibility to maintain the dam." The bench adjourned the matter until July 9 after assistant government pleader NS Rao sought time to respond. While distancing itself from interpreting CWPRS's April 9, 2025, findings, the irrigation department stated that it had fully cooperated by sharing technical data and conducted a 16.7km DGPS and LiDAR-based survey from Ambazari dam to the Nag–Pili river confluence, which was verified and submitted in December 2024. "Ambazari dam, constructed over 150 years ago, is classified as a 'small dam' under ISO norms. With a gross storage of 8.35 million cubic metres and a 5.4-metre head, it is designed for a 1-in-100-year flood of 116.10cumecs. However, the dam's structure can withstand up to 320 cumecs, exceeding minimum standards by nearly threefold," Tongse said. The affidavit also stated that structural strengthening of the weir and spillway was completed in March 2023, while priority-2 works on the dam's earthen section were finished in March 2025. Both stages were executed with vetted designs approved by the Central Design Organisation, Nashik. Referring to govt resolutions dated August 2, 2013, and March 8, 2018, the department reaffirmed that all construction activity upstream and downstream of dams is restricted, regardless of the agency or developer involved. Key points in irrigation dept affidavit Location -- Statue built in spill (tail) channel of Ambazari Dam - NMC is the dam's statutory owner and responsible for compliance CWPRS Findings - Pedestal affected hydraulic flow post-2023 flood - Not in Nag River's natural course, didn't cause flooding Court's Observation - NMC more focused on statue than dam safety Dam Details - Over 150 years old - Withstands 320 cumecs vs required 116.10 cumecs - Strengthening works completed by March 2025
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt report biased, argue Ambazari residents, demand removal of Vivekanand statue
1 2 Nagpur: Petitioners in a PIL concerning the Ambazari flood disaster have challenged a report submitted by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune. They accused the report of legitimizing the unauthorized construction of Swami Vivekananda statue in the spill channel of Ambazari dam. In a new affidavit filed before the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court, 91-year-old Ramgopal Bachuka and a group of senior citizens alleged that the CWPRS report was commissioned by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), which is under scrutiny for regulatory violations. The affidavit is part of a PIL seeking accountability for the flood on September 2023 that caused extensive damage. "The CWPRS study cannot override legislative provisions, including the Irrigation Act and Wetland Rules, under which the statue's location is in a prohibited area," petitioners argued through counsel Tushar Mandlekar. "The report is designed to justify an illegal structure rather than evaluate the flood dynamics accurately." They objected to the minutes of the High Power Committee (HPC) meeting held on April 29, which accepted the CWPRS report and declined to consider relocating the statue. The HPC, they contended, failed to address key concerns, including prior affidavits by departments such as irrigation and urban development, which acknowledged the illegality of the site. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like It's Affordable and Actually Works Undo The petitioners also noted that the CWPRS admitted to discrepancies in its data sets but proceeded to prepare simulations using a peak flood discharge of only 116.10 cumecs — the design standard for a 1-in-100-year flood. In contrast, the Ambazari dam is built to handle a discharge of 320 cumecs, or a 1-in-1,000-year event, according to the National Institute of Hydrology. They alleged that the statue and associated amenities — including a pedestal, library, and public seating — obstruct the dam's tail channel, reducing water-carrying capacity and creating a bottleneck that contributed to flooding in the city. Citing a 2024 affidavit from the principal secretary of the urban development department, the petitioners reiterated that the statue lies in a zone where development is restricted by govt resolutions issued on August 2, 2013 and March 8, 2018. They also submitted reports from Hitbhav Engineers, and the Command Area Development Authority, which showed the tail channel's width had been reduced due to construction, aggravating flood risks at the confluence of the Nag and Pili rivers. The petitioners have urged the court to reject the CWPRS report and direct authorities to restore the Nag River's natural flow by removing obstructions. The next hearing is scheduled for July 9. BOX Challenge To CWPRS Ambazari Flood Study #Core Arguments: CWPRS flood study termed a 'sham report' Petitioners say it was influenced by NMC HPC meeting failed to consider statutory violations #Technical Disputes: Dam discharge capacity: 320 cumecs CWPRS simulation: 116 cumecs Tail channel narrowed by statue platform, creating bottleneck #Legal Grounds: 2013 & 2018 GRs prohibit any construction at site Principal secretary's 2024 affidavit admits location is a 'prohibited area' #Demand: Court must reject report and restore Nag River's natural flow
