MAPUSA
The State government has proposed the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen coastal surveillance and enforcement mechanisms, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced in his budget speech.
An amount of Rs 1.35 crore has been earmarked for deploying UAVs to enhance monitoring along the State’s coastline and improve enforcement capabilities in the fisheries sector.
In another major step aimed at improving maritime safety and tracking, the government will begin installation of transponders on all fishing vessels in the state during the current financial year with support from the Government of India.
The system is expected to help authorities monitor fishing vessel movements more effectively and strengthen security and regulatory oversight in coastal waters.
The budget also outlines several infrastructure and welfare initiatives for the fisheries sector. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the government proposes to take up two projects for the development of climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages at an estimated cost of Rs4.12 crore.
A number of fisheries infrastructure works will also be undertaken during the year. These include repair of the Chapora fishing jetty, construction of ramps at Dhavji and Kundai, and the building of net-mending sheds to support fishermen.
In addition, a sewage treatment plant and solar streetlights will be installed at the Cutbona fishing jetty.
The government also plans to develop a Modern Integrated Fisheries Village at Mandrem and establish a Modern Community Post-Harvesting Facility at Palolem with financial support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, for which a provision of Rs 20.62 crore has been made.
To promote advanced aquaculture and strengthen the blue economy, the government will also undertake the upgradation and redevelopment of the brackish water hatchery at Benaulim and encourage seaweed farming in the State.
