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Natural harbours and fish landing infrastructure get major push across coastal India
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Saturday, 20 December, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Government of India has outlined significant progress in the development of natural harbours and fish landing centres along the country’s coastline with the aim of improving infrastructure and livelihoods for fishermen. The details were shared in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in response to a parliamentary question.
According to the official information, a total of 1,547 fish landing centres have been notified by coastal States and Union Territories, of which 379 locations including 127 fishing harbours (FHs) and 252 fish landing centres (FLCs) have been selected for development under central schemes. These include major initiatives such as the blue revolution, fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure development fund (FIDF) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The development of natural harbours and modern landing facilities is based on site-specific techno-economic feasibility assessments. To avail central financial assistance under these schemes, State and UT governments are required to submit viable proposals along with confirmation of state funding, availability of land and necessary clearances.
In Tamil Nadu, while there is currently no natural harbour at Aruvikkarai, the Department of Fisheries approved a proposal in FY 2022-23 for construction of a fish landing centre at Aruvikarai at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore under the FIDF. This project includes key infrastructure components such as a short groyne, auction hall, net mending shed and a front platform with a concrete road.
Over the past five years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25), the Department of Fisheries has approved 26 fishing harbours, 22 fish landing centres and 10 dredging projects across coastal states and UTs at a total cost of Rs 3,365.63 crore, with a central share of Rs1,698.46 crore under PMMSY. In Tamil Nadu alone, central support of Rs 132.52 crore has been sanctioned for two fishing harbours, four landing centres and one dredging project, including the up-gradation of Pazhayar fishing harbour at a cost of Rs 26.26 crore.
The Ministry has also issued advisories to all coastal States and UTs to develop smart and integrated fishing harbours. These initiatives are expected to enhance fishers’ access to markets, improve safety and profitability, and support sustainable coastal economic growth.
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