Kanyakumari MP Vijay Kumar, popularly known as Vijay Vasanth, has filed an attention notice in the Lok Sabha, seeking a special financial allocation of Rs 1,000 crore from the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The notice, which he submitted on August 11, pertains to the urgent need for funding aimed at enhancing the development and disaster resilience of fishing communities in the Kanyakumari district.

According to Vasanth, this allocation falls under Rule 197 of the Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business. He emphasised that the fishing villages in Kanyakumari face serious challenges that demand immediate action from the central government. He pointed out that he intends to discuss these matters with the Minister and stress the importance of this financial package.

Impact of Coastal Vulnerability

In his statement, MP Vasanth highlighted the geographical challenges faced by Kanyakumari’s fishing villages, which are situated along an extensive coastline. He noted that thousands of families in these communities rely heavily on the sea for their livelihood. Educating the Parliament about the vital role of fishermen in contributing to national food security and the economy, he underscored the growing difficulties posed by natural calamities and environmental factors.

He indicated that coastal villages are increasingly endangered by issues such as coastal erosion, cyclones, storm surges, and intense waves. These factors have led to significant damage to vital infrastructure, including homes, roads, and fishing facilities. MP Vasanth reiterated the escalating need for comprehensive measures to protect these communities from frequent environmental hazards.

Given the continuous threat to local infrastructure, he advocated for the construction of essential coastal protection features such as groynes and sea walls. He further argued for the development of reliable all-weather roads that connect fishing villages to harbours and markets, facilitating smoother operations and safer transportation for local fishermen.

Proposals for Long-Term Development

Vasanth’s notice included detailed proposals intended to strengthen disaster management and infrastructure in Kanyakumari. He called for the establishment of facilities ensuring access to drinking water and improved coastal amenities, as well as the construction of disaster-resistant homes and cyclone shelters to protect residents during emergencies.

In addition to these infrastructure projects, MP Vasanth proposed creating evacuation routes and emergency facilities within the fishing communities, which would enable quicker responses to disasters. He argued that these initiatives should also include provisions for establishing a dedicated helipad for emergency aviation operations, improving the speed of rescue missions in collaboration with the Coast Guard and Navy.

Furthermore, he emphasised the need for cold storage and ice-making facilities, which could mitigate post-harvest losses and enhance the economic viability of the local fishing industry. The MP urged the Union Government to prioritise the allocation of this substantial package to safeguard Kanyakumari’s fishing sector and communities.

Call for Immediate Government Action

Concluding his notice, Vasanth reiterated the critical nature of his request for the Rs 1,000 crore special package. He stated that the funding is essential for the long-term viability and safety of Kanyakumari’s fishing communities. He expressed concern over the current state of the community’s infrastructure and the urgent need for a dedicated disaster reconstruction component to facilitate rapid restoration efforts.

Vasanth has firmly committed to advocating for this package in Parliament and underlined the importance of timely government action to ensure that Kanyakumari’s fishing industry can recover and flourish. His efforts aim to draw attention to the pressing issues faced by local fishermen and their families while promoting sustainable development in the region.

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