29 fish markets in state to be modernised

It is good news for those frequenting fish markets.The project to give a modern and hygienic spin to the fish markets in the state is fast progressing with the State Government getting the sanction to modernise 29 fish markets in the state from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.

“On Thursday, we got the sanction for one more modern hygienic fish market from the NFDB, making the total to 29 in the state. Out of this, the work on Aluva and North Paravoor Markets is almost complete and it will be ready to be commissioned next month. We will be getting the grant of Rs 100 crore for this from the NFDB and the State Government will pump in another Rs 10 crore,” said P Ambadi, Managing Director, Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation.

“The modern hygienic markets will have space for drying fish, fish cutting,dressing table, display cabin,  storage  facilities, space and facilities for loading and unloading,” he said.

“Apart from this, the modern markets would have auction halls, weighing machines, offices for fish traders, dormitories for fishermen and cold storage plants. Besides, there would be parking lots, toilets, drinking water facilities and effluent treatment systems for liquid and solid waste,” he said.

With two of the 29 markets nearing completion and work on others reaching various stages of completion, the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation is gearing up to conduct a trainers programme to create awareness about the facilities and the maintenance of the market.

“The training session will be conducted in February and officials from NFDB, Hyderabad, will be conducting the session. Around 500 people will be given training in the first phase, including Local Self-Government officials, so that they will be able to impart training to others including fish vendors,” Ambadi said.