The sector of fisheries has received a shot in the arm with the State government sanctioning Rs. 117 crore for two projects to be taken up in Chennai.
While Rs. 75 crore has been earmarked for improvement of the Chennai fishing harbour, also known as Kasimedu or Royapuram fishing harbour, a sum of Rs. 42 crore has been set apart for a sport fishing and eco park in Chetpet, according to an official release.
As part of the Chennai fishing harbour project, a 300-metre-long wharf on the side of northern breakwater; a 200-metre-long wharf to accommodate fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats; extension of the northern wharf by 140 metres; two finger jetties of 150 metres each; two more finger jetties of 200 metres each and a sanitary complex would be established. This would benefit 12,000 fishermen directly and 15,000 fishermen and workers indirectly.
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Spanning over 15 acres, the Chetpet lake, which belongs to the Department of Fisheries, would have provisions for angling, water sports, boating and open air auditoriums. The lake shore will have a park with tracks for walkers and joggers, besides a multilevel parking space and a seafood restaurant, the release added.