A team led by Krishnan, Director, Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP), visited Karaikal on Wednesday to discuss the development of advanced infrastructure under the proposed Karaikal smart and modern fishing harbour project, with the focus on sustainability and livelihood enhancement.
At a meeting convened by the Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department of the Puducherry government, deliberations centered on building capacity-enhancing facilities, including blue and green infrastructure, aimed at improving fish handling, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening the local fisheries economy. Issues relating to sustainable fishing practices, economic advancement of fisherfolk and long-term livelihood security were also discussed.
The meeting was presided over by Fisheries Secretary D. Manikandan, who is also Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor. Officials present included Fisheries Director A. Mohammed Ismail, Joint Director D. Deivasigamani, BOBP legal expert Rajdeep Mukherjee, marine and harbour engineering specialists, artificial intelligence and information technology experts, senior officials of the Public Works Department, and representatives of various wings of the Fisheries Department.
Women members of seaweed cultivation self-help groups from Pattinacherry and Karukkalacherry interacted with experts on expanding seaweed farming activities as a supplementary livelihood. The BOBP team also inspected the existing Karaikal fishing harbour earlier in the day.
Participating via video conferencing, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan outlined the proposed integrated fishing harbour project, the benefits of a fish landing centre at Pattinacherry and the imminent commissioning of an ice production unit. He also assured improvements in road and drinking water facilities.
Officials of Canara Bank announced CSR support for installing additional seaweed cultivation rafts. Later, officials visited the Adani port at Karaikal to explore possibilities for exporting fish and value-added products and for setting up a fish processing centre with CSR assistance.
Published – December 17, 2025 07:53 pm IST
