The modern hygienic fish market at Vaikom was commissioned by K. Babu, Minister for Fisheries and Excise, on Monday.
The minister said that the Kerala government, with support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), has earmarked a total of Rs 13.04 crore for setting up a chain of six modernised fish markets in Kottayam district.
The markets are part of a chain of 41 hygienic fish markets being set up by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) across the state at a total cost of Rs 78.71 crore, he said. The minister also inaugurated the construction works of another modernised fish market in Paika on Monday. Construction of fish markets at Ettumanoor, Vaikom and Changanacherry has been completed at an overall cost of Rs 8.65 crore. The works on a fish market at Kodimatha is at the initial stage and another such market will soon come up at Manjoor, he said. Approval has been sought for setting up similar facilities at Erattupetta and Thalayolaparambu, he added.
The minister said the state government has outlined projects worth Rs 21.36 crore for the overall development of coastal villages in Kottayam. While projects worth Rs 8.65 crore have been completed, Rs 6.37 crore worth of projects were at various stages of completion. Rs 6.34 crore of projects are submitted for approval. The Vaikom market, built at an overall project outlay of Rs 1.62 crore, houses an auction block, 38 commercial stalls with facilities for cleaning and cutting fish, retail space and an effluent treatment plant.
A flake ice unit will also be constructed in the market. The two-storied market has a 470.25 sq meter built-up space.
It will be handed over to Vaikom Municipality. Jose K. Mani MP presided over both the functions. Sreelatha Balachandran, chairperson, Vaikom Municipal Council, K Ampady, Managing Director, KSCADC, U.S. Balan, member director board and P.T. Mathew, regional manager KSCADC, spoke.
