Karaikal is set to soon become the first city in southern India to get a smart and integrated fishing arbour with the aim at modernising the fishing infrastructure in the Union Territory, while prioritising environmental sustainability, efficiency and safety.
The proposed modern harbour will come up adjacent to the existing harbour located at the estuary of River Arasalar, and facilitate efficient and smooth operation for fishing vessels by leveraging advance technologies like sensors, data analytics, IoT devices, satellite communication, drone access control etc. It will prioritise eco-friendly and suitable practices.
The Union government has approved the establishment of three smart fishing harbours: Vanakbara in Daman and Diu, Jakhau in Kutch district of Gujarat. and Karaikal in the Union Territory under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The smart and integrated harbour in Karaikal has been proposed at an estimated outlay of ₹130 crore. The project will be executed with the technical and financial assistance of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and technical assistance of the Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery (CICEF), Bengaluru.
Official sources said that the Puducherry government had accorded administrative approval and had engaged a consultant for undertaking an environment impact assessment (EIA) study and prepare an environment management plan. The detailed project report will be submitted to the State Environment Impact Assessment Committee (SEIAC) for obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
D. Manikandan, Secretary to government (Fisheries) said, “The idea is to implement eco-friendly practices and technologies to minimise ecological footprint of fishing. The project envisages upgradation of infrastructure, including installation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices on fishing gear and processing equipment to track catch volumes, monitor fish quality and optimise post-harvest handling processes.”
He adds, “In addition, sensor networks would be deployed throughout the harbour to monitor water quality, weather conditions and marine biodiversity, providing valuable data for environmental monitoring and decision support. The harbour will also be upgraded with smart technologies such as automated mooring systems, energy-efficient lighting, and waste management systems, to enhance operational efficiency reduce environmental impact.”
The harbour will have three auction halls, including one for handling tuna and two others for traditional fishing crafts and mechanised fishing vessels, four net mending sheds, gear sheds, boat repair shop, and net drying yards.
Published - April 08, 2025 10:21 pm IST
