The Fisheries Department on Wednesday issued work order for a project to improve the facilities at the Kasimedu fishing harbour in the city. The work is expected to commence in a week.
According to sources in the Department, the trawler wharf, which can berth nearly 500 mechanised boats, was damaged after the tsunami in 2004. Following this, motor vehicles are not being allowed on the wharf.
The department plans to strengthen the 500-metre wharf to ensure safety of fishermen. The project would be taken up at a cost of nearly Rs.17 crore with funding from National Fisheries Development Board and Chennai Port Trust.
The auction hall, which is in dire need of repairs, would be demolished and rebuilt. Work for the new hall, which would be bigger would start in a few days, sources said.
The department would also provide basic amenities, including drinking water, toilet blocks and illumination. “We also want to provide a security check post at the entrance of the harbour. There is a proposal to extend the wharf for another 100 metre and provide jetty in the next phase of the project,” said an official.
The work would be expedited and completed within nine months, which would be three months ahead of the project period, the sources added.
According to members of fishermen welfare association, nearly 30,000 people visited the auction hall daily. Of the daily sales amounting to 200 tonnes, nearly 30 per cent is sent to other States such as Karnataka and Kerala and the remaining is provided for local markets.
M.E.Raghupathi, president of Chennai Mechanised Boat Fishermen Welfare Association, said: “Nearly 750 mechanised boats are involved in business at the harbour. The wholesale business hours are between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. The association had recently provided lighting in the auction hall area to carry out sales. But, it is not sufficient.
“Dredging must be carried out inside the harbour. The draft alongside the wharf is 2 metres and this should be increased to 4 metres. The department must also ensure proper access to the auction hall as a few metres of space is set to be taken for widening of Ennore Expressway,” he said.
