KUFOS recommends major infra projects in Chellanam

Setting up of better healthcare facilities and steps to boost aquaculture among suggestions

Developing infrastructure for better healthcare and cultural activities, branding fish produced in the village, deploying bioshields to protect the sea coast, and boosting aquaculture are among the major recommendations made by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in its interim report on converting Chellanam into a model fishing village as per a programme of the State government. The report was submitted to Minister for Fisheries Saji Cherian on Thursday. The Minister had visited the Kufos Fisheries Station on Puthuvype island to assess the suitability of the centre for establishing an international centre for research on mangroves. KUFOS Vice Chancellor Riji K. John said the report was based on suggestions from people who had demanded steps to mitigate the woes of Chellanam residents. The coastal village has been at the receiving end of serious sea erosion and high waves flooding homes of hundreds of people. The problems have worsened since the Ockhi cyclone hit the shores in December 2017.