Thiruvananthapuram, 04 June (H.S.):The Kerala Cabinet on Thursday announced a 52-day trawling ban along the state’s coast from June 10 to July 31 and approved financial assistance of ₹14 lakh each for the families of those who died in the recent explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur.

The decisions were announced by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan after a meeting of the state Cabinet.

The annual trawling ban, imposed during the monsoon season, is aimed at protecting marine resources and facilitating fish breeding. The restriction is expected to help conserve fish stocks and support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.

The Cabinet also approved compensation of ₹14 lakh each for the families of the victims of the Mundathikode fireworks factory accident, one of the worst industrial mishaps reported in the state in recent months.

Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said the government had resolved issues related to paddy procurement and assured that farmers would receive their payments at the earliest.

In another key administrative decision, the Cabinet resolved to initiate legal procedures to remove chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and other appointees who continue to hold positions in boards and corporations under various government departments despite having been appointed during the tenure of the previous government.

The Cabinet also decided to recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu. Additionally, the Revenue Department has been directed to consider the appointment of Naveen Babu’s daughter on compassionate grounds as a special case.

The Cabinet meeting addressed a range of issues concerning fisheries, agriculture, administration and public welfare, with the government signalling steps to address pending concerns across multiple sectors.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman