Several concerns focusing on coastal infrastructure facilities were raised during fishermen’s grievance redress meeting held at the Kanniyakumari district collectorate on Friday.

The meeting was chaired by Kanniyakumai district collector R.Alagumeena.

At the meeting, fishermen sought for free housing pattas to fishing families in Kovalam panchayat and requested ration cards for newly married couples. They also submitted requests seeking repair of high mast electric light at fish landing area in Kurumbanai and the provision of road facilities to Thamaraikulam road located in Kurumbanai area.

Fishermen further requested that the open rainwater drain from Simon Colony bridge to Simon Colony church be covered and a footpath be constructed. They also sought for the establishment of subsidised kerosene outlet in safer locations.

In addition, fishermen urged the officials to release the study report prepared on measures to prevent sea erosion in Inayam Chinnathurai village. Complaints were also raised regarding a boat building company allegedly operating in Melmidalam without proper permission.

Responding to the concerns, officials said that Revenue and Fisheries department officials would conduct an inspection at Kovalam panchayat for the allocation of free pattas,adding ration cards would be provided to newly married couples, after the submission of proper documents.

The officials added no funds had been received for the repair works of high mast light at Kurumbanai fish landing centre and steps would be taken to complete the work under MLA constituency development fund.

The officials noted that subsidized kerosene outlets have fire extinguishers and further action would be taken through the Fisheries department to enhance safety measures. It was also said that direction has already been made for the closure of the boat building unit in Melmidalam.

District Revenue Officer A. Poongothai, Padmanabhapuram sub collector Vinay Kumar Meena and other officials were present.