Government Focused on Fulfilling Promises with Precise Planning for Public Welfare: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thrissur: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the LDF government is working with the firm determination to implement its promises. The main focus is on fulfilling commitments, unlike the UDF which is not bound to keep its word. The public has understood this, he added during the press conference.

The government's intervention in housing construction and the fishing sector has been exemplary. Kerala has a large number of landless and houseless people, for whom owning a home was a dream. The Life Mission housing project was launched to make this dream a reality. Homes worth 4 lakh rupees are being constructed, with 25,000 rupees added to make the total amount 4 lakh. The process of selecting beneficiaries has been transparent. No one should oppose such a project. However, UDF had promised to halt the Life Mission project if they came to power in the 2021 elections. But with the LDF retaining power, the Life Mission project continued, with the target of building 5 lakh homes achieved. To date, the government has spent 19,000 crore rupees on the project.

Another significant project is the Rehabilitation Plan for Fishermen, which involves the construction of 2,685 houses and 738 flats. 1,721 houses and 858 flats are under construction. The social security of fishermen has been prioritised, with the insurance coverage raised from 5 lakh to 10 lakh. A sum of 25 crore rupees has been set aside for scholarships for students. Fishing harbors in Mangalore, Koyilady, Tanur, and Vellayil are being completed, and expansion is ongoing in areas like Muthalapozhi.

Coastal protection from sea erosion is a key issue. This is not a responsibility solely of the state government; the central government must also act. Despite several attempts to approach the center, no concrete plan has been provided. However, the state has implemented projects to the best of its ability.

Emergency interventions were made in vulnerable areas, and the most notable example is the project implemented at Chellanam in Ernakulam. A wall was constructed using tetrapods over 7 kilometers at a cost of 344 crore rupees to protect against strong waves. This provided a solution to the problems of coastal residents. Funds have also been allocated for the second phase to construct the wall up to Manassery. Once this is completed, Chellanam will have a permanent solution to the threat of coastal erosion.

Coastal protection projects will also be implemented in Shankumugham, Varkala, Alappad, Valiyazheekkal, Vypin, Kaipamangalam, Ponnani, and Kappad. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the government is working with precise planning to ensure the safety and security of the people.