Foundation Stone for ₹42.4 Crore Integrated Aquapark Laid: Union Minister Urges Efforts to Make Tripura a ‘Fish Surplus State’
The government of India has taken another significant step towards boosting the country’s aquaculture sector, particularly in the northeastern region. Recently, the foundation stone for a ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark was laid in Tripura, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance its aquaculture capacity. The project is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme aimed at making India a global leader in aquaculture.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Aquapark, which is expected to become a state-of-the-art facility for sustainable aquaculture in the region. The Minister highlighted Tripura’s immense fisheries potential and urged efforts to make the state a ‘fish surplus state’. He also announced plans to develop the state as an organic fish cluster for sustainable aquaculture.
The Integrated Aquapark, which is being constructed at a cost of ₹42.4 crore, will have a total tank capacity of 10 million litres and will cater to the needs of farmers, traders, and consumers in the region. The park will have advanced facilities for fish breeding, rearing, and processing, making it a one-stop destination for all aquaculture-related activities.
According to the Minister, the PMMSY is a comprehensive scheme aimed at developing the country’s aquaculture sector in a sustainable manner. The scheme aims to increase the country’s fish production from 12.7 million metric tons to 15 million metric tons by 2024-25, and to increase the annual fish exports from ₹40,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore.
Tripura, with its vast water resources and favorable climate, has immense potential for aquaculture development. The state has a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal and many rivers, which provide an ideal environment for fish farming. The state government has been proactive in promoting aquaculture development, and the Integrated Aquapark is expected to give a significant boost to the sector.
The Minister emphasized the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices and the need to adopt organic and eco-friendly methods of fish farming. He also urged the fish farmers and entrepreneurs in the region to adopt these practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The PMMSY has been launched with a vision to make India a global leader in aquaculture. The scheme has several components, including the development of infrastructure, provision of credit facilities, and promotion of sustainable aquaculture practices. The scheme also aims to enhance the income of fish farmers and provide employment opportunities to millions of people engaged in the sector.
The Integrated Aquapark is expected to create employment opportunities for thousands of people and will be a major attraction for tourists and locals alike. The park will have facilities for recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, and will also have a museum and a aquatic park, making it a unique destination for those interested in aquaculture and fisheries.
In conclusion, the laying of the foundation stone for the ₹42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark is a significant step towards boosting the country’s aquaculture sector, particularly in the northeastern region. The scheme is expected to create employment opportunities, promote sustainable aquaculture practices, and increase fish production and exports. With its vast water resources and favorable climate, Tripura has immense potential for aquaculture development, and the Integrated Aquapark is expected to play a major role in realizing this potential.
