: The Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) will construct a modernised fish market at Rs. 1.03 crore at Wadakkanchery soon. This will be the third such market in Thrissur district.
Minister for Fisheries K. Babu laid the foundation stone of the project, which is part of a chain of hygienic fish markets with modern facilities being set up by the KSCADC across the state.
The markets are being built with support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
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The NFDB had sanctioned a total of Rs. 4.24 cr for modern fish markets in Mala, Irinjalakuda and Wadakkancherry.
The markets in Mala and Irinjalakuda have been completed. The NFDB will provide Rs. 87 lakh of the total project cost. The state government will pay the rest.
Nearly 75,000 people, including fishermen, vendors and consumers are expected to benefit from the new facility. The single-storied 253 square feet market will have various facilities, including a sink for cleaning the fish, a clog-proof drain and 22 commercial stalls that will have modern facilities for processing fish.
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The market will also have chill room facility, an ice unit and an effluent treatment plant. Stalls have anti-skid tile floors and quality plumbing and electrical works.
The NFDB has approved construction of 41 modern fish markets across the state. Work on 11 markets has been completed. Construction of eight is nearing completion and eight others in various stages.
The state fisheries department is planning Rs. 530 crore worth of projects under the KSCADC for the overall social-economic development of the state’s coastal areas. Projects worth Rs. 38.47 crore are currently in various state of completion in Thrissur district.