The inclusion of the Union Territory under the Centre’s Blue Revolution Programme which aims to increase fisheries’ production from the existing 10 million tonnes a year to 15 million tonnes by 2020 will pave the way for the setting up of fish landing facilities, a maritime museum and the modernisation of harbours in Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam regions. The major beneficiaries will be the fishermen in Puducherry, as under the programme, the Centre has given in-principle approval to set up fish landing facilities at Nallavadu, Periyakalapet and one on the side of Veerampattinam, opposite the Thengaithittu harbour. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has given approval to a detailed report prepared by the Central Institute of Coastal Engineering for Fishery, Bengaluru, for establishing fish landing centres in three places in Puducherry, along with one in Yanam and Karaikal, at a cost of Rs. 140 crore, a senior official from the Fisheries Department told The Hindu. The setting up of fish landing facilities here, will help decongest the Thengaithittu and Uppalam harbours, where mechanised fishing boats are berthed. As many as 320 registered boats operate from the harbours. Besides the setting up of landing facilities, the Centre has given in-principle approval to revitalise the existing facilities at the Thengaithittu harbour, at a cost of Rs.20 crore. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the facilities at the harbour will be augmented, with the purpose of making it a hygienic hub for the storage and transportation of fish. The department also plans to utilise the fund to construct an additional auction hall, a maritime museum and a recreational park, the official said. In addition to this, the department has submitted a proposal to construct more berthing facilities at the harbour. However, this will take more time, as more studies need to be conducted, said the official. The Ministry had also given approval for the development of fresh water aquaculture in 10 hectares at a cost of Rs.70 lakh, development of brackish water aquaculture in 5 hectares for Rs.26 lakh, and procuring of 20 deep sea fishing boats for Rs.8 crore. Under another component of the Blue Revolution Programme, the Centre has increased financial assistance given to fishermen during lean and trawling ban periods from Rs.1500 to Rs.3000. The fishermen will get a total sum of Rs.4500, including their own monthly contribution of around Rs.1500, during the period. It will be a huge relief to as many as 25,766 fishermen in the U.T., the official said. The inclusion of the U.T. in the Blue Revolution programme is a major relief, considering our financial constraints in taking development and welfare measures in various sectors, he said.