Concern grows over Beypore losing trade status with Lakshadweep
The Hindu
Island administration in bid to strengthen ties with New Mangalore Port
The Beypore port is likely to lose its preferred trade status with Lakshadweep in the wake of the move by the Union Territory authorities to build stronger commercial ties with the New Mangalore Port. There is apprehension among the trading community attached to the Beypore port, with the four-month regulation on the Arabian Sea imposed by the Mercantile Marine Department under the Directorate General of Shipping coming into force from May 15. They feel that the prominence of the Beypore port, which has deep cultural bonds with islands such as Androth, Kadmat, Kalpeni and Amini, will diminish in the long run and subsequently impact commercial activities in the Malabar region. “The connection between Beypore and Lakshadweep dates back to the pre-Independence era. Now, the move will sound the death knell for merchants in Kozhikode,” said K.V. Rafeek, general secretary, Sailing Vessel Agents and Shipping Cargo Contractors Welfare Association.More Related News