Panaji: The
fisheries department
is moving forward with its plans to revive the defunct prawn hatchery at Benaulim, with a public-private partnership (PPP) model currently in the works. This proposal, aimed at setting up a new multi-hatchery, has sought consultation from the
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
(CMFRI).
The fisheries department has identified a five-hectare plot at the Benaulim site, where the hatchery will be developed. Plans include the construction of a nursery tank, rearing tank, algal section, hatchery building unit, laboratory, and other necessary facilities. These improvements are expected to revitalise the hatchery’s aquaculture sector and boost prawn production.
However, the revival of the hatchery is not without its challenges. The facility, which was previously operational, had been shut down “due to administrative issues”, according to a fisheries official.
“Now, with the backing of the CMFRI’s insights in the technical report, the fisheries department is preparing to float a tender for the establishment of the hatchery. The tender documents have already been drafted and are awaiting approval from the chief minister’s office,” the official said.
The project had earlier drawn criticism from local fishermen, particularly from Benaulim. Fishermen in the area have long used a portion of the land at the defunct hatchery for storing their canoes and drying fishing nets, especially during the fish breeding season.
They had expressed concerns that, should the govt move forward with leasing the land to a private player as part of the PPP, they would lose this vital storage space.
The fisheries department, however, remains firm in its position. “The hatchery is important for the local community, including Goan fishermen. While some had previously opposed the PPP model, the department insists that the revival of the hatchery is essential for economic development and
sustainable fisheries practices
,” the official said.
English (US) ·