HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 11: Union minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal and union minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala laid the foundation stone of Modernisation and Upgradation Works of Cochin Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady, Kerala. This project is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹169.17 crore. The overall project is funded through Grants from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme under the Department of Fisheries (₹50 Crore) and the Sagarmala Project scheme of MoPSW (₹50 Crore) and investment of PPP Operator is ₹55.84 Crore.
The first stage of the project includes construction of three air-conditioned Auction Halls, one non-air-conditioned hall, one fish dressing unit and other ancillary units. Under this project, internal roads will be constructed, loading and unloading platforms will be built, waste management area will be developed and there will be canteen facilities, drivers’ waiting area, dredging work, areas machinery and equipment etc.
The construction of four temperature-controlled auction halls of 60mx18m with mechanical retrieval and conveyance will increase the capacity of the fishing harbour by 415 tonnes of fish per day.
During the inauguration, Sonowal said, “Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi believes in doubling production and boosting the fisheries sector. Under his leadership, both MoPSW and the Fisheries Department are working together to make this project a reality. Development of Cochin Fisheries harbour will support the fishermen and will boost the economy.”
“It is envisaged the export of fish and fish products will be ₹1500 crore per annum on completion of the project. In addition, there will be substantial improvement in the hygienic conditions”, Sonowal added.
The Thoppumpady harbour witnesses 10 months of fishing activity with peak season during August to November. On average, there are about 40 to 60 boats landing in the harbour, which contributes to a catch of 250 tons per day. The major fish items landed at the harbour are shrimps, cuttlefish, carangids, ribbon fish, seer fish, tuna and marlins.
It is to be noted that, under the Sagarmala Programme of MoPSW till now 9 fishing harbour projects worth ₹ 620 crore have been completed: benefitting 30,000 fishermen. Apart from this, modernisation of 5 fishing harbours has been done at a cost of ₹ 550 crore.
