Kozhikode: As part of measures to increase revenue, the government plans to focus on the coast. It has been decided to utilise the land under the Kerala Maritime Board in all districts for revenue increasing projects. The area surrounding the 17 small ports under the board has been measured and action has been taken to clear encroachment. This land will be used for industrial and commercial purposes, income will be generated by leasing the land for up to 30 years.

The price rate for conducting events on public land, including on the beach will also increase. This will be levied on establishments that do not pay rent or lease standing on public land. The land management unit has begun procedures to measure land and place boundary stones.

It is expected that huge income can be generated from places like Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha. Kozhikode is the most popular location under the board. Maritime board chairman N.S Pillai said that due to encroachment of various types, there is no accurate data about the measure of land under the board. He said that once land data is acquired, the aim is to attract entrepreneurs with public private partnership.

In revenue records, these lands are known by various names such as port land, revenue outstation, PWD and harbour land. As per the Kerala Maritime board act, the land will be brought under the aegis of the board. Encroachments, structures and projects without legal MoUs will be vacated. In the case of people who have built a house and lived on such land for years, decisions will made as per government policy.