Paradip: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala and Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal are set to lay the foundation stone for the modernization and upgradation project of Paradip Fishing Harbour on Monday at Paradip. The Central Government has granted approval to the proposal of the Paradip Port Authority for the modernization and upgradation of Paradip Fishing Harbour, with an estimated cost of Rs 108.91 Crore. The project will receive 100% central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in convergence with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways under the Sagarmala Scheme. Paradip Port Authority will oversee the implementation of this fishing harbor project, which is scheduled for completion within 18 months.
Paradip Fishing Harbour, covering an enclosed area of about 43 acres, stands as one of the major fishing harbors in Odisha. Situated on the right bank of the river Mahanadi, 2 km upstream of the river mouth in Jagatsinghpur District, the harbor was initially designed to accommodate 370 numbers of 10 m vessels, 80 numbers of 13 m vessels, 50 numbers of 15 m vessels, and traditional crafts. Currently, approximately 640 numbers of 15 m vessels and 100 numbers of 9 m Gill Netter (FRP boats) are utilizing the harbor facilities.
The modernization and upgradation project aim to enhance the hygienic conditions of Paradip Fishing Harbour, transforming it into a clean, pollution-free, and aesthetically pleasing space. The endeavor involves upgrading existing facilities, providing new and essential infrastructure facilities, mechanizing fish processing, and implementing good management practices under efficient management. This comprehensive modernization effort is expected to improve the lives of thousands of fishermen and allied workers who depend on the harbor for their livelihoods. Additionally, it will generate new employment opportunities of both skilled and unskilled nature.
The project includes the construction of a new Auction Hall, a Commercial Complex, the extension of Quay Wall, Shore Protection Works, Renovation of the existing Auction Hall, Gear Shed, Fish Packing Shed, Ice Crushing Hall, First Aid Center, Compound Wall Elevation, Electrical Works, Overhead Water Tank, Solar Power Plant, Solar Lights, Navigational Aids/Radio Communication Equipment, Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), Firefighting Equipment, Market Complex, and road paving, landscaping, along with other ancillary utilities and services.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony is expected to be attended by Minister of Fisheries and Animal Development Department, Government of Odisha, Shri Ranendra Pratap Swain, Member of Parliament, Jagatsinghpur, Smt. Rajashree Mallick, Member of Legislative Assembly, Paradip, Shri Sambit Routray, along with senior officials from the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Government of Odisha, National Fisheries Development Board, Paradip Port Authority, Indian Coast Guard, Fishery Survey of India, fishermen associations, and other dignitaries.