The Maharashtra government has come up with a draft plan to modernise the Sassoon Docks in Mumbai on a Norway pattern with an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore, state Fisheries Development Minister Mahadev Jankar said here Wednesday.
The Sassoon Docks is one of the oldest fishing harbours in the country, which was built on reclaimed land in 1875 by the banking and mercantile company David Sassoon & Co.
It is said to be the first commercial wet dock in western coast of the country.
Jankar said the project would be completed within a span of two years.
"We all know about Norway's fishing infrastructure. The Sassoon Docks will be modernised in that pattern," he said.
Jankar said the entire project is expected to cost approximately Rs 100 crore and would be completed in a span of two years.
"The modernisation will include upgradation of infrastructure like landing points and cold storages. There would be a high degree of automation," Jankar told reporters.
He also said the modernised docks would also become a tourist attraction, where people can observe the work of fishermen.
Jankar said a food corner and an amphitheatre will also be built as part of the project, and that the draft plan also includes a museum.
Jankar said the modernisation plan, prepared by the Bengalaru-based Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fisheries, was cleared by the Centre in 2014.
Responding to a query, the minister said the government was looking for a private partner to operate the Taraporewala aquarium in South Mumbai to increase revenue.
"The state has the capacity to produce 60 crore fish seed whereas the demand for the same is 114 crore. Our aim is to increase fish seed production through the medium of feed and seed. The water storage is available in area of 4.18 lakh hectares," he said.
Jankar said a marine traffic application is being developed through which fishermen can receive information about the sea transport upto 12 nautical miles.
"A plan to develop aqua tourism is also on the cards," he added.
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