Page 256 - economic review

INFRASTRUCTURE228

Harbour Engineering Department

5.51 Harbour Engineering Department was formed in 1982 as a separate specialized department
as a service department for Fisheries and Ports. Government of India has empanelled Harbour
Engineering Department of Kerala as a consultant in the coastal engineering field for the nation as
a whole. This department is the only such State Department in India. The major functions of the
department are investigation, planning, design, evaluation, execution, operation, maintenance, and
management and related maritime engineering and technical works for the development schemes
of the Fisheries and Port department. During 2013-14 an amount of Rs. 300 lakhs and Rs 615 lakhs
in 2014-15 were allotted to this department .The following are the major achievements of the
department during 2013-14. Mathematical model study for tidal hydrodynamics and siltation aspects
for existing fishing harbour at Neendakara and mathematical model study for tidal hydrodynamics
and siltation wave tranquilty and shore evaluation for the development of existing fishing harbour at
Thottappally were arranged and progressing .

Hydrographic Survey Wing

5.52 The Hydrographic Survey Wing was constituted in 1968 as a component of the Kerala State
Port Department with a view to cater to the requirements of Hydrographic Investigation for the
development of the non major ports of Maritime State of Kerala. This wing has been conducting pre-
dredging and post-dredging, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon surveys to ascertain various aspects
such as requirement of dredging, data required for the construction of Fishing Harbours, Fish
Landing Centers, Small Ports etc. In addition to the routine pre-monsoon and post-monsoon survey
at 16 non-major ports , they also undertake survey work for other departments like Irrigation, Inland
Navigation, Fisheries, Tourism, PWD and Research Institutions like Kerala Engineering Research
Institute .

Achievements for 2013-14 up to September, 2014

5.53 The dredging surveys on Thankasserry ,Aakkulam, Munambam, Beypore ports have been
conducted. Astamudi lake , Perumthuruth, Alapuzha- Kottayam ,Alleppy- Chenganoor boat routes
survey ,Beypore , Munambam pre monsoon survey Ethikara river investigation survey were
conducted.Digitization work of data thus collected in progress and 80% work completed.Feasibility
study of Pamba river is also in progress .

5.54 Second batch of 6 month”s basic Hydrographic Course has started . Nine students from 1st
batch got placement and remaining students are doing one year on job training.

Major Ports

Cochin Port

5.55 Cochin Port is the only major port in Kerala which is under the control of Cochin Port Trust. It is
spread over 827 hectares. It has a water frontage of 7.5 Km. The port has connectivity to hinterland
through NH 47, NH 17 and NH 49. Rail links to the Konkan and Southern Railway also give key rail
access to its hinterland. An Inland Waterway connecting Kollam and Kottappuram on either side is
being developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The export & import details through
Cochin port are mentioned in chapter 6.

Kerala State Planning Board