An investment of Rs 169 crore to be envisaged for the project: Union Minister

 Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr L Murugan today said that the modernization of Cochin Fishing Harbor to meet international standards would be completed by December 2023. Addressing media persons after paying a visit to the Cochin Fishing Harbor here, the Union Minister pointed out that the Union Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is always concerned about the welfare of the fishermen.

 

The projects were announced in the last union budget which envisioned to modernize not just Cochin fishing harbour but the harbours in Chennai, Vishakapttanam and Paradeep as well, he said. In regard to the modernization of Cochin Fishing Harbor, Dr Murugan said the tendering process of the project, which is being jointly funded by Ministry of Shipping and Ports and Ministry of fisheries, was complete. He said that Cochin Port Trust will also play a major role in the implementation of the project. “We are opting for PPP model also and a total of 169 crore will be invested in the same,” the Minister added. 

Pointing out that the government was aiming at a complete makeover from the present state, Dr Murugan said that the focus was to develop basic infrastructure to international standards; developing landing centers; modernisation of post harvest facilities including  fishing harbours, fish markets, cold storages, ice plants, etc. and ensuring high standards in terms of hygiene. Apart from all these, to ensure the welfare of the fishermen, harbours will have dormitory, restaurant and medical facilities. He added that modernization will be undertaken by including the opinion of stakeholders as well.  

The Minister added that the Prime Minister’s concern towards the fishing sector was strongly evident from the fact that for the first time in the history, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme, 20,000 crore rupees was allocated in the budget for the fisheries sector. While Corona affected the entire world, the export of fisheries sector had increased by 32 percent in the country and India ranked second in aquaculture exports, the Union Minister said.

Hibi Eden MP, K J Maxy MLA, officials of Cochin Port Trust including Chairperson Dr M Beena accompanied the Minister during the visit. Earlier Dr L Murugan held a review meeting with Cochin Port Trust officials to review the progress of the project at the Port Trust Office.

  

 RRTN/SKY

(Release ID: 1888322)