Rs 8cr aqua park to come up near Nedumbassery

The Kerala government has firmed up its plans to set up an aqua technology park for rearing ornamental fish at Kadungallur near Nedumbassery at a cost of Rs 8 crore. Global tenders for the setting up of the park will be called soon.

The state's plan to set up the park is part of the draft fisheries master plan, which has been accorded the nod by the Kerala cabinet. Revealing details of the draft plan, minister for fisheries, S Sarma, said it aimed to incorporate the advancements in the science and technology sector into the fisheries sector in Kerala.

This, he said, would ensure that the fisherfolk in the state generate more income for themselves and also contribute to the state's development.

Elaborating on the proposed aqua technology park, Sarma said the first phase of the project would entail a cost of Rs 4 crore.

The park will come up on 12 acres of fisheries department-owned land near the international airport at Nedumabassery.

The department is currently awaiting the report by the consultancy appointed for the proposed project, which is expected to be submitted in two weeks. The park will be floated as a joint venture company, he added.

Detailing the draft master plan for the fisheries sector, he said the plan envisaged increasing deep sea fish output to 7.5 lakh tonne from the current 5.5 lakh tonne.

In the case of inland fish output, the master plan would aim at increasing the quantity to 2 lakh tonne from the current 75,000 tonne. This apart, the master plan has earmarked plans for setting up a marine theme park, oceanarium and a marine biological institute in Kochi, the minister added.

The draft master plan also envisages providing houses, credit relief and other incentives, which would benefit fisherfolk in the state.