Visakhapatnam: Modernisation of fishing harbour to take off soon

Visakhapatnam: The fishing harbour in Visakhapatnam is bracing for a major transformation in the coming days. In a move to fill the infrastructure gaps and streng­then business, the harbour will be revamped with modern amenities.

As the state government is keen on establishing eight fishing harbours in Andhra Pradesh, it also sets its focus on modernising the existing harbours along with setting up the new ones. In tune with the decision taken at the cabinet meeting, the harbour in Visakhapatnam is getting a facelift at a cost of Rs 100 crore.

From installing CCTV cameras to facilitating ice-crushing machinery and providing solar-powered lighting, the harbour in the Port City is soon to have fishermen-friendly infrastructure. "With the improved amenities that also focuses on maintaining hygiene standards, the fishing harbour is set to get a leg-up with the upgraded infrastructure. This apart, an effluent treatment plant is also on the cards," says K Phani Prakash, Joint Director of Fisheries.

Elaborating further, he adds, "Once the funds get sanctioned, the modernisation work will commence and is expected to be wrapped up in a year."

A couple of days back, Joint Collector M Venugopal Reddy held a meeting with the members of the Fishing Harbour High-Level Managing Committee and sought suggestions for the modernisation works which include facilitating extra halls, boundary wall and jetty repair works at the harbour.

Sharing details with The Hans India, president of AP Mechanised Boat Owners' Association PC Appa Rao says, "A request has been made to the authorities concerned to form a sub-committee to monitor the development of the fishing harbour. In addition, we have also appealed to facilitate mechanised boat repair works to be carried out at the harbour itself."

For a long time now, the project that aims at enhancing the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen and plug infrastructure gaps has been gathering dust. However, with the DPR being readied, the project is poised to take shape soon.