19-05-2025
332 fisher families set to get homes
T'puram: The prolonged wait of Valiyathura's 332 fishermen families, which had been living in warehouses and rented houses in miserable conditions for years, is finally coming to an end.
State govt's ambitious Punargeham rehabilitation project has completed the construction of 332 flats at Muttathara and are ready for occupation.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan is likely to launch the project, aimed at rehabilitating families who lost their homes due to sea erosion, in June. Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society constructed the flats. Besides
Muttathara flats
, govt has begun construction of 162 flats at Kochuveli to house other fishermen affected by coastal erosion.
Furthermore, plans are underway to build 24 more flats at Valiyathura itself to accommodate other displaced families which are yet to be rehabilitated. The tender for the construction has been floated, sources said.
"The conditions in which these families have been living for the past several years were inhuman. The new flats will be a boon for the beneficiaries as they are currently living in rented houses, for which the govt pays the monthly rent," said Antony Raju, MLA.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World
Undo
"This is not just a housing project, but the restoration of dignity and safety for these people who have lost everything to the sea. I am thankful to CM and officials who made this possible. The flats at Muttathara are not just structures of brick and cement, they are symbols of hope," Raju added.
Punargeham scheme, launched by state govt, provides financial support to help fisherfolk purchase land and build homes in safer locations.
For those unable to secure land, govt has taken up the task of constructing flats. The project has received praise for its integrated approach to coastal erosion-related displacement, combining financial assistance with direct construction of houses. "All the 332 flats at Muttathara were completed and inspected," said a senior official of fisheries department.
Beemapally ward councillor Sudheer J said keys for beneficiaries will be handed over by state govt on the day of inauguration. "Draft list of the beneficiaries has been prepared. The flats have two bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen. Since the new flats are located close to sea, their livelihood will also not be affected," he said.
The flats were built on eight acres earlier owned by dairy development department. Harbour engineering department is the implementing agency of the project. Total cost of the project is Rs 80 crore.
