Nagai Magalir Sandhai opened at Nagapattinam bus stand

A dedicated sales outlet for products manufactured by women self-help groups (SHGs) named ‘Nagai Magalir Sandhai’ was inaugurated at the Nagapattinam Bus Stand on Wednesday.

The initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of women SHG members by providing them with sustainable and accessible market opportunities. The outlet will offer a variety of products including millet-based food items, honey, snacks, natural health mixes, handicrafts and other locally produced goods.

Collector K. J. Praveen Kumar inspected the products displayed at the outlet and directed officials to strengthen marketing initiatives and ensure that more women benefit from the facility.

Shore protection works inspected

Later, Mr. Kumar inspected ongoing shore protection works at Seruthur, where around 2,200 fishermen operate nearly 295 fishing boats. The formation of large sandbars on Vellaiyar River has been making it difficult for fishing boats to enter the sea and return safely to the shore.

Coastal erosion prevention works under way at Velankanni.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A sum of ₹21.83 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of a shore protection wall at the Vellaiyar River. Under the project, a 300-metre-long wall on the southern bank and a 220-metre-long wall on the northern bank are being constructed.

The Collector also inspected coastal protection works in Velankanni, where around 1,500 fishermen depend on fishing using nearly 150 boats. Continuous coastal erosion has affected boat-berthing areas and increased the risk of damage to fishing boats.

A sum of ₹17.78 crore has been sanctioned for a coastal erosion prevention project in the area. As part of the project, construction of six groynes is under way. The structures are expected to help reduce coastal erosion and prevent strong waves from directly hitting the shoreline.