Port Blair, Feb. 8: A new 5 Ton capacity Ice Plant was inaugurated by Shri G. Sudhakar, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration today at Chunnabhatta in the presence of Ms. V.K. Mariyam Bibi, Zilla Parishad Member, Hope Town, Smt. Rashida Bibi, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Hope Town, Shri Subbaraj, Executive Engineer, Road Construction Division, APWD.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary (Fisheries) expressed his happiness in fulfilling the long pending requirement of the fishermen of Panighat and adjoining areas and emphasized that the supply of ice will help in enhancing the fish catch through long duration of fishing and shall reduce post-harvest losses, which will be helpful in improvement of socio-economic condition of the fishermen of the area. The building for the Ice plant was constructed by APWD whereas the Plant & Machinery was installed by the Fisheries Department. The commissioned Plant will produce 120 blocks of Ice at a time and will cater to the local requirement of the area.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Fisheries Department and APWD in successful completion of the project and directed the Department to ensure continuous supply of ice to the fishermen.