Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday inaugurated a comprehensive package of fisheries infrastructure projects valued at ₹98.92 crore, marking a significant boost to the state’s coastal economy and the welfare of thousands of traditional fishing families. The initiatives, spanning multiple districts, include state-of-the-art fishing harbours, modern landing centres, and specialised aquaculture facilities designed to enhance safety, hygiene, and long-term sustainability in the sector.
The flagship project is the ₹60-crore expansion and modernisation of Thengapattanam fishing harbour in Kanniyakumari district, which now features reinforced breakwaters, deeper berthing areas, and advanced unloading facilities capable of accommodating a larger fleet of mechanised boats even during rough weather. Simultaneously, a ₹26-crore cutting-edge fish landing centre with a dedicated trawl-net repair loop was commissioned at Periyanayagi Patti fishing village, providing fishermen with hygienic auction halls, ice storage, and waste management systems to maintain quality from catch to consumer.
In Mayiladuthurai district, the revamped ₹10-crore Tharangambadi fishing harbour has been equipped with improved docking infrastructure and shore-based amenities, while a new ₹2.92-crore government fish seed farm at Kadana in Tenkasi district will produce high-quality fingerlings for stocking reservoirs and promoting scientific inland aquaculture. These facilities collectively aim to reduce post-harvest losses, increase earnings, and create safer working conditions for coastal communities.
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The state government highlighted its ongoing commitment to fishermen’s welfare through a range of schemes, including daily financial assistance during the 61-day annual fishing ban, supply of tax-exempt diesel to mechanised boats, subsidised kerosene for traditional craft, and a generous 50 per cent subsidy for purchasing advanced tuna long-liners and gill-netters, enabling younger fishermen to upgrade their vessels and access deeper waters sustainably.
With these landmark projects, Tamil Nadu continues to set national benchmarks in coastal infrastructure development, reinforcing the Dravidian model’s focus on empowering traditional occupations while ensuring environmental responsibility and economic resilience for one of the state’s most vital yet vulnerable sectors.
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