Govt releases 6.52-cr for Mumbai fishing harbour modernisation

As part of coastal community development under Sagarmala project, the government today released Rs 6.52 crore as first tranch of financial assistance for the Rs 52.17 crore moderniation of fishing harbour in Mumbai.
The Ministry of Shipping provided the central financial assistance to Maharashtra Government for fishing harbour at Sassoon Dock, which is one of the seven major fishing harbours in the country.
"The project has been identified as one of early bird projects under Sagarmala Programme to enhance the livelihood of the coastal communities," a statement from the Ministry of Shipping said.
The total cost of modernisation is Rs 52.17 crore which will be funded in a convergence mode of implementation under Sagarmala Programme of Ministry of Shipping and Central Sector Scheme on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.

"The remaining 50 per cent of the project cost will be funded by the State Government of Maharashtra," the statement said.
Sassoon Dock operates around 1,000 fishing vessels and lands an average of 48,000 tonnes of fish annually under the management of Mumbai Port Trust.

"The initiative will modernise the fish handling facilities to improve the hygiene and sanitation standards in the harbour and develop a fully integrated fishing harbour with all modern amenities like ice plant, cold storage, modern auction hall, etc," the statement said.
This would help in maintaining sea food export quality as per the international quality requirements and food safety standards.

The old and new Sassoon Dock area is a major fish landing and marketing centre of Mumbai, serving the needs of both Domestic and export market.
"The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) would also be undertaking the work of dredging of Sassoon dock basin at a cost of Rs 60 lakh," it said.
MbPT has also taken the initiative of developing the Sassoon Dock Complex and repairing of Gate House and clock tower.
Setting up a marine food park, sea food restaurant and an art gallery in the premises has also been proposed.