Major Fisheries Development Initiatives Launched by CM M.K. Stalin – Projects Worth ₹596.13 Crores Inaugurated and Foundation Laid for Key Works

On behalf of the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Hon’ble Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin inaugurated 13 completed projects worth ₹596.13 crore and laid the foundation for two new projects. He also launched several special livelihood schemes for fisher families in the Bay of Bengal coastal region and inaugurated the “Alaigal” microcredit scheme for women self-help groups. Further, ₹10.67 crore worth of welfare assistance was distributed to 2,290 fisher beneficiaries.

At an event held today (28.05.2025) in Tiruvottiyur, Chennai District, Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin inaugurated the newly constructed Tuna Fishing Harbour built at a cost of ₹272.70 crore and unveiled 13 completed projects including fishing harbours, fish landing centres, and fish markets developed at a total cost of ₹426.13 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for fish landing centres to be constructed at Thangachimadam and Kasimedu in Ramanathapuram district with an estimated cost of ₹170 crore.

Additionally, under the Tamil Nadu State Apex Fisheries Cooperative Federation, the Chief Minister launched the “Alaigal” microcredit scheme for women self-help groups and distributed welfare benefits worth ₹10.67 crore to 2,290 fisher beneficiaries.

These projects are aimed at:

• Protecting marine biodiversity,
• Encouraging deep-sea and sustainable fishing practices,
• Enhancing fish production,
• Ensuring safe and hygienic fish handling from catch to market,
• Developing fishing harbours, landing centres, cold storage units, and modern processing infrastructure,
• Providing financial assistance to fishers,
• Supplying subsidized diesel for fishing boats,
• Supporting traditional fishers with subsidized ice and maintenance facilities,
• Offering 50% subsidies for purchasing tuna longline and trawl boats.

These initiatives are part of a comprehensive effort by the Tamil Nadu government to boost the fishing economy and ensure the welfare and livelihood security of the fishing community.

Inauguration of the New Tuna Fishing Harbour at Tiruvottiyur, Chennai District

The newly inaugurated Tuna Fishing Harbour, developed at a cost of ₹272.70 crore, is the first of its kind in India dedicated to tuna fishing. This harbour includes:

• Southern and northern breakwaters,
• Boat parking docks and berthing wharf,
• Auction halls and net mending sheds,
• Administrative building,
• Fishermen dormitories,
• Weather and communication centres,
• Kitchen and safety rooms,
• Sanitation blocks and resting shelters,
• Ice storage and boat repair facilities,
• Water supply and drainage systems.

This facility will allow deep-sea fishers to safely land their tuna catch and sell directly to exporters without delay, enabling higher earnings. The harbour is designed to handle about 70,000 tons of fish annually and will benefit around 6,250 fishers from 12 nearby fishing villages.

Inauguration and Upgradation of Additional Infrastructure

In addition to the Tiruvottiyur harbour, the Chief Minister also inaugurated and launched several other facilities:

• Fishing Harbour at Mookaiyur, Ramanathapuram District with cold storage, developed at ₹20 crore.
• Upgraded Tuticorin Fishing Harbour, ₹10 crore.
• Fish landing centre at Sunnarambukulam, Tiruvallur District, ₹8 crore.
• Two new fish landing centres in Villupuram District (Pudukuppam and Anichankuppam) and Cuddalore District (Muthaliarkuppam and Chettinagar), each at ₹7 crore.
• Fish landing centre at Pudukuppam, Cuddalore District, ₹8 crore.
• Newly built fish landing centre at Kuttikondiyur, Mayiladuthurai District, ₹6.83 crore.
• Fish landing centre at Sembanarkoil, Mayiladuthurai District, ₹2.85 crore.
• Upgraded fish landing centre at Sethubavachatram, Pudukkottai District, ₹10 crore.
• Pearl Oyster Farm across Sellar River, Cuddalore District, ₹30 crore.
• Upgraded fish landing infrastructure at Maippadu, Thoothukudi District, ₹41 crore.

These projects mark a significant step forward in improving Tamil Nadu’s fisheries infrastructure, ensuring sustainable marine resource management, and uplifting the socio-economic condition of the fishing communities.