Cyclone Ockhi left its impact on the state budget with finance minister T M Thomas Isaac terming it as climate change warning. He said that emergency measures and calamity relief operations carried out during Ockhi disaster have attracted nationwide acclaim. “We have created a model which can be emulated by other states. In continuation, a long-term coastal disaster mitigation development plan should be formulated. This budget marks the beginning of a comprehensive coastal development package, even while awaiting the decision from Centre,” he said.Announcing a package of Rs 2,000 crore for coastal areas, he said a mechanism will be formulated to give timely warnings and emergency aid to fishermen community. “The state disaster management authority has developed a satellite information and communication system linking all fishing vessels and coastal villages at Rs 100 crore. This plan will implemented this financial year,” he added. Free Wi-Fi connectivity will be made available at public places in coastal villages. The government proposes to relocate all families living within 50m of the coastline. A scheme, providing Rs 10 lakh to each family volunteering for the same, was announced in the previous budget. An amount of Rs 150 crore is now earmarked this year, he said.The FM’s announcement evoked mixed reactions. “There were special packages for coastal areas in the previous years, but they haven’t created the desired effect in terms of development and welfare. Had those funds been properly utilized for constructing sea walls and groyne in coastal areas, Ockhi would not wreaked this much havoc. I hope this year at least proper utilization is ensured,” said Fr John Kandathiparambil, rector of Velankanny Matha pilgrim centre, Maruvakad, Chellanam. T A Dalfin of Chellanam Teeradesha Samrakshana Samiti said it is the first time such a big package is being announced for coastal areas. He said authorities concerned should use the funds allocated for installing geo tube-sea walls and completing construction of breakwaters in coastal areas. Last year, a separate amount was allocated for the construction of breakwaters, but it was not effectively utilized and it wreaked havoc in Chellanam during Ockhi. Meanwhile, Fr. Eugene Pereira, vicar general of Trivandrum Archdiocese expressed happiness over the emphasis given to disaster management procedures and the need to install satellite-enabled communication systems to warn fisher folk. He expressed concern over relocating fishermen to other places stating that it won’t be an ideal solution. Meanwhile, state president of Kerala Malsyathozhilali Aikyavedi Charles George described the budget as a disappointment. “The budget has failed to address the problems faced by fishermen community. The government has allocated Rs 600 for fisheries sector alone. Last year, it was Rs 568 crore. So there is nothing great in this budget,” he said.
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