The state government intends to set up a state-of-the-art shrimp and fin fish hatchery on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis by redeveloping the existing hatchery spread over 10 acres at Benaulim. The directorate of fisheries has invited an expression of interest (EOI) for the project. It is expected that the private partner will design, build, finance and operate the proposed project on a long term concession basis and transfer the facility to the government at the end of concession period, the circular inviting EOI signed by fisheries director, Shamila Monteiro reads. However, the department’s plan has raised eyebrows among villagers and also the 28-odd hatchery staff, some of who said that they are yet to be paid April, May and June salaries. Former Benaulim sarpanch, Royla Fernandes said, The hatchery should be utilised by local youth as a start-up, and community involvement should be the basis of the project. The hatchery was set up by the department in 1992 but was closed down in 2008, even though it was considered the best in India as it had a mortality rate of seeds at just 2%. Since then, its infrastructure and equipment has been slowly rotting away, neglected by the government and department. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) had proposed to set up an aquamarine amusement park at the spot in 2015, but it never saw the light of the day. About the PPP, Monteiro said, It is similar to the early prawn hatchery where seeds will be sold to the farmers, but this time around they will also include fish. The department has invited an EOI as it involves expertise and investments among other aspects.