Ambitious Groynes, Jetty and Dredging Project to Boost Fishing and Navigation: Minister Nitesh Rane

Raigad-Alibag, April 2026 : Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said that the construction of groynes, jetties, an access road, and dredging of the navigation channel at Akshi-Sakhar in Alibag taluka is an ambitious and crucial project aimed at improving fishing operations and coastal infrastructure.

He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at Akshi-Sakhar. The initiative has been planned in response to heavy silt accumulation at the creek mouth in Akshi, which has narrowed the water channel. As a result, fishermen are often forced to wait for high tide to bring their boats into the harbour, leading to delays and financial losses.

Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including MLA Mahendra Dalvi, Zilla Parishad President Mangesh Wakdikar, Zilla Parishad Committee Chairman Vaikunth Patil, Aswad Patil, Chitra Patil, and Nagav Sarpanch Harshada Mayekar.

Minister Rane highlighted that Akshi-Sakhar village, located along the Akshi creek in Alibag taluka of Raigad district, largely depends on fishing and tourism for livelihood. The Alibag region has around 1,108 fishermen producing approximately 8,748 tonnes of fish annually, while Akshi-Sakhar alone accounts for about 863 fishermen producing nearly 2,297 tonnes. Additionally, the nearby Ekdara creek records around 11.045 tonnes of annual fish production.

The project received administrative approval worth Rs 159.92 crore on September 19, 2024, followed by technical approval of Rs 151.78 crore on October 30, 2025. Environmental clearance was granted during the 192nd MCZMA meeting held on December 26, 2025.

Under the project, a total of 2,235 metres of breakwater (groynes) will be constructed — 1,125 metres on the eastern side and 1,110 metres on the western side. The plan also includes dredging of the navigation channel, construction of two jetties measuring 80m x 10m each, land filling behind the jetty, and development of a 400-metre access road.

A tender worth Rs 127.61 crore has been approved for the work, which has been awarded to Yashog Infra Infrastructure and Developers Pvt Ltd on March 16, 2026. The project is scheduled to be completed within 24 months.

Once completed, the project is expected to control silt accumulation in the creek, ensure a clear navigation channel, and allow fishermen to move their boats freely at any tide. It will also provide a safer harbour facility.

Furthermore, coastal conservation efforts under the project are likely to boost tourism and create additional employment opportunities for local residents.

Senior officials from the Maritime Board, staff members, representatives of fishermen’s associations, and a large number of local residents from the Akshi region attended the event.