Vellapallam harbour project work stalled as approval is awaited for revised estimate

Vellapallam harbour project stalled due to pending approval for ₹100 crore estimate, affecting local infrastructure and fisherfolk livelihoods.

Road laying work, drinking water pipeline installations, and other basic infrastructure activities in the coastal hamlet of Vellapallam in Vedaranyam taluk have come to a halt for nearly a year as the fishing harbour project there remains stalled pending approval of a revised estimate of ₹100 crore.

The fishing harbour at Vellapallam was sanctioned in 2019 at a cost of ₹132 crore under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) scheme. Envisaged to improve the livelihoods of thousands of fisherfolk along the delta coast, the project is now about 80% complete, officials said.

However, the work had slowed considerably due to technical challenges posed by the unique soil conditions along the coastline. Officials have since submitted a revised estimate seeking an additional ₹100 crore to complete the harbour.

With the proposal yet to receive approval, the remaining harbour work as well as several related civic infrastructure activities in the village — including roads dug up for pipeline installation and drinking water connections — have remained incomplete.

Fishing is the primary source of livelihood in Vedaranyam taluk, with about 9,176 fishermen from Vellapallam and nearby villages depending on the sea. The fishing fleet comprises eight mechanised vessels, around 490 fibre-reinforced plastic boats, and nearly 80 catamarans.

Once completed, the harbour is expected to accommodate 100 mechanised fishing vessels and 500 FRP boats, enabling safer landings and year-round fishing operations.