Swaraj Dweep, July 13: The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, dedicated a newly constructed 5 MT Ice Plant to the fishermen community of Govind Nagar, Swaraj Dweep, in a ceremony held today. The facility was dedicated by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, in the presence of senior officers, Pradhan, Govind Nagar, Shri Ajit Kumar Roy and Pradhan, Shyam Nagar, Shri Alok Mridha and members of the local fishing community.
Constructed to strengthen the post-harvest fisheries infrastructure in Swaraj Dweep, the Ice Plant has the capacity to produce 120 ice blocks of 55 kg each per day. The facility is expected to directly benefit around 250 fishermen and more than 80 fishing boats operating from the area by ensuring the timely availability of quality ice for fish preservation. The project will help reduce post-harvest losses, maintain the freshness and quality of fish, and enhance the fish handling and preservation capacity of Swaraj Dweep, thereby improving the availability of fresh seafood for both residents and tourists visiting the Islands.
In his inaugural address, Chief Secretary emphasized the Administration’s commitment to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. He highlighted several recent initiatives, including the issuance of Access Passes for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the commencement of commercial open sea cage culture, which are expected to create new livelihood opportunities while promoting sustainable utilization of marine resources. He also appreciated the efforts of the Department of Fisheries in creating essential infrastructure to support the growth of the fisheries sector in the Islands.
Earlier welcoming the gathering, Shri Rajanish Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration, highlighted the importance of strengthening fisheries infrastructure across the Islands and stated that the newly established ice plant would provide significant support to the fishing community by improving the cold chain and enhancing their livelihood opportunities. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries).