Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, inaugurated the Fishing Harbour in Nellore District. This inauguration, held on March 12th, 2024, was conducted virtually, marking a significant milestone in the nation's maritime sector. The project, approved under the Blue Revolution Scheme, saw the collaboration of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India, with the Andhra Pradesh government.
The proposal for constructing the Fishing Harbour was initially approved in March 2020, with a total cost of Rs 288.80 crore under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on Blue Revolution. This scheme operates in convergence with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways under Sagarmala.
Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour: Timely Completion & Infrastructure Details
Despite challenges, the project was completed within four years, showcasing effective coordination between the central and state governments. The Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour is designed to accommodate 1250 fishing vessels, with the capacity to handle an annual fish catch of 41250 metric tonnes.
The initiative is expected to directly benefit around 6100 local fishermen and provide indirect benefits to numerous others. Apart from essential facilities for local fishing vessels and fishermen, the project is anticipated to stimulate the growth of subsidiary fisheries-based industries, accelerate fisheries trade and economic activities, and create ample employment opportunities in the region.
PMMSY: Government Investment & Reforms
The Government of India has been actively investing in the fisheries sector, with a total investment of Rs 38,572 crore envisioned from 2015-16 onwards. Over the past decade, the Department of Fisheries has approved projects worth Rs. 28,922.35 crore under various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries Development Infrastructure Fund (FIDF), and Blue Revolution Scheme (CSS-BR).
There is a notable emphasis on creating large fisheries infrastructure projects and fish landing centers. The Government of India has approved the development of 113 fishing harbors and fish landing centers projects amounting to Rs 9162 Crore for various coastal States/UTs, including 16 projects in Andhra Pradesh alone. These initiatives are expected to stimulate the sector and generate new employment opportunities, further boosting the economy of coastal regions.
