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Port Blair, Sept 8: The Chief Secretary Andaman & Nicobar Administration, ShriChetan B. Sanghi inaugurated a ten ton capacity Ice Plant at Danapur, Mayabunder, today by handing over the first ice block of 55 kg to the fishermen. The Member of Parliament, ShriKuldeepRai Sharma also graced the occasion.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Secretary stated that the long pending demands of the fishermen of North & Middle Andaman would be fulfilled by the establishment of this Ice Plant, as ice is essential for hygienic storage of fish and multi days fishing in the sea. He further stated that ice would be made available to the fishermen at a highly subsidized rate, which will boost enhancement of catch, thereby improving the socio-economic condition of the fishermen. He also categorically emphasized to take up the matter of non-availability of log, specially required for construction of durable boat for the fishermen. Further, he also appraised the gathering that the Administration is taking utmost care to create direct export channel from the Islands. Very recently, EIC has visited the Islands in connection with establishing Desk Office for EIC along with Quality Testing Laboratory and MPEDA Office. The Chief Secretary also emphasized on taking up diversified fisheries activities like open sea cage culture and sea weed culture for doubling the farmers income by 2022.

Addressing the gathering, the Member of Parliament urged the Fisheries Department to encourage fishermen to tap deep sea resources, for which they have to be equipped with modern crafts and gears. He stressed upon preparation of a holistic development plan for harnessing the huge fisheries potential in Andaman Seas.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri K.R. Meena, Principal Secretary (Health) & Chief Electoral  Officer, Shri P. ShrinivasRao, Adhyaksh, N&M ZillaParishad, ShriAwanish Kumar, DC, N&M and ShriAnkitChauhan, SP, N&M  Andaman. Welcome song and folk dance performed by the students of Mayabunder GMSS School were appreciated by the gatherings. 

Director of Fisheries, Dr. Utpal Kumar Sar, while welcoming the gathering, said that nearly 2500 fisherman and 300 boats in and around Mayabunder area will be immensely benefitted by this Ice Plant. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks, proposed by the Assistant Director of Fisheries, N&M, Smt. Jolly Verghese.