MP Vijay Vasanth moves attention notice in LS, seeks Rs 1,000 cr special package for Kanyakumari fishing villages
New Delhi, August 11
Kanyakumari MP Vijay Kumar alias Vijay Vasanth has submitted an attention notice in the Lok Sabha, urging the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to sanction a 1000 cr special package for the comprehensive development and disaster resilience of fishing villages in Kanyakumari district.
"Under Rule 197 of the Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business, I give notice of my intention to call the attention of the Minister Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on 11/08/2026 to the following matter of urgent public importance and to request the Minister to make a statement thereon. Hon'ble Speaker, I wish to call the attention of the Hon'ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to the urgent need for a 1,000 crore Special Package for the comprehensive development and disaster resilience of fishing villages in Kanyakumari District," said MP Vasanth.
In his notice, the MP said Kanyakumari's long and vulnerable coastline is home to numerous fishing villages and thousands of families dependent on the sea for their livelihood.
Highlighting the contribution of fishermen to the nation's food security and economy, he noted that several coastal villages are increasingly affected by coastal erosion, cyclones, storm surges, and high waves, as a result, it has caused repeated damage to houses, roads, fishing infrastructure, and other public assets in the district.
"I wish to call the attention of the Hon'ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to the urgent need for a 1,000 crore Special Package for the comprehensive development and disaster resilience of fishing villages in Kanyakumari District.Kanyakumari has a long and vulnerable coastline with numerous fishing villages and thousands of families dependent on the sea for their livelihood. Our fishermen make a vital contribution to the nation's food security and economy while facing hazardous weather and difficult sea conditions.Several coastal villages are increasingly affected by coastal erosion, cyclones, storm surges and high waves, causing repeated damage to houses, roads, fishing infrastructure and other public assets," said MP Vasanth.
Amidst the repeated damage to public infrastructure, Kanyakumari MP sought funds for groynes, sea walls, and other coastal protection measures, along with all-weather roads connecting fishing villages with harbours, landing centres, and markets.
MP Vijay Vsanth also demanded funds for assured drinking water, disaster-resilient houses, cyclone shelters, evacuation routes, and emergency facilities.
"I therefore urge the Union Government to sanction a *1,000 crore Special Package for: Construction of groynes, sea walls and other coastal protection structures at vulnerable locations. Development of all-weather roads connecting fishing villages with harbours, landing centres, markets and major roads. Provision of assured drinking water and essential coastal infrastructure. Development of disaster-resilient houses, cyclone shelters, evacuation routes and emergency facilities," added MP Vasanth.
The MP further proposed a dedicated helipad or emergency aviation facility for rapid rescue operations in coordination with the Coast Guard, Navy, and State authorities. He also sought cold storage and ice-making facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
Vijay Vasanth urged the Union Government to sanction the package at the earliest to protect Kanyakumari's fishing communities, emphasising the need for a dedicated disaster reconstruction component for the speedy restoration of damaged fishing infrastructure.
"A dedicated disaster reconstruction component for speedy restoration of damaged fishing infrastructure.I urge the Hon'ble Minister to sanction the 1,000 crore Special Package at the earliest to safeguard the future of Kanyakumari's fishing communities," added Kanyakumari MP.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally someone is paying attention to our coastal villages! The demand for groynes and sea walls is long overdue. My family is from a fishing village near Colachel, and every monsoon we lose something—boats, nets, sometimes even homes. The helipad idea is also smart for emergency evacuations. Let's hope the ministry acts fast.
Seems like a reasonable request, but I wonder how much of this will actually reach the affected families. India has a pattern of announcing big packages and then failing on implementation. Also, ₹1000 cr for just one district—what about other coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala? Nevertheless, good to see Parliament taking disaster resilience seriously.
As someone who lives in a coastal town, I can attest to the constant fear of cyclones. The demand for cyclone shelters and evacuation routes is especially critical. But I also hope the package includes some focus on alternative livelihood options for fishermen during off-seasons. Diversification is key to long-term resilience. Better late than never!
It's encouraging to see local MPs advocating for their constituents in this way. India's fishing communities are often overlooked despite their contribution to the economy. The inclusion of cold storage and ice-making facilities is particularly thoughtful—post-harvest losses are a massive issue. Let's hope this doesn't get lost in bureaucratic delays and gets the urgent attention it deserves.
The attention notice is a welcome step, but I feel the MP could have also highlighted the issue of illegal trawling and overfishing that exacerbates the poverty of small-scale fishermen.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.