Alappuzha (Keralam), Oct 18 (PTI) Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said Aroor would be developed as a blue economy hub under the state government’s Mission Samudra initiative.
Inaugurating the Makkekadavu-Nere Kadavu bridge connecting Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, Satheesan said Aroor would also be developed as a seafood hub, with the necessary infrastructure to support the blue economy established in Alappuzha district.
He said the government would ensure that development projects did not displace ordinary people and announced a special compensation package for residents affected by land acquisition for road construction and related works along the Nere Kadavu-Vaikom stretch.
The government would ensure that projects were completed within stipulated timelines and prevent losses to the public exchequer caused by delays, he said.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P K Basheer, who presided over the function, said the government had sanctioned Rs 10 crore for road construction along the Nere Kadavu-Vaikom stretch.
He also said Rs 553.85 crore had been sanctioned for the development of Sabarimala roads.
Deputy Speaker Shanimol Usman, who welcomed the gathering, congratulated the public representatives and officials involved in the bridge’s construction, describing it as a long-pending project for people in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.
Excise Minister M Liju said the bridge was part of the Thuravoor-Pampa road corridor and that further construction work would begin soon.
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said road construction on the Vaikom side should be completed on time to ensure continuity of the project, which he described as a matter of pride for the central Keralam region.
The bridge connects Thaikkattussery panchayat in the Aroor constituency of Alappuzha district with Udayanapuram panchayat in the Vaikom constituency of Kottayam district, officials said.
Built across Vembanad Lake and over a national waterway, the bridge is 800 metres long. It has a 7.5-metre-wide carriageway and footpaths measuring 1.5 metres on either side. The structure has 22 spans, with approach and connecting roads at both ends, officials added.
The term ‘blue economy’ refers to sustainable economic activities linked to oceans, seas and coastal regions that promote the use of marine resources while preserving ocean ecosystems.
Mission Samudra aims to integrate Keralam’s coastline, ports and water resources with road and rail networks, inland waterways, industries, logistics hubs and emerging economic centres. PTI TBA SSK
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