Chennai's Kasimedu Fishing Harbour Revamp Nears Completion: 80% Infrastructure Ready.

Significant progress is underway in the comprehensive revamp of Kasimedu fishing harbour, Chennai's bustling and crucial center for marine activities. With nearly 80 percent of the infrastructure development works now complete, the historic facility is on track for a major transformation by the end of the year.

Sunil Paliwal, Chairman of Chennai Port Trust, highlighted the substantial support from the Central government, which sanctioned ₹97 crore for this extensive upgrade. Key achievements include the construction of approximately 1,000 meters of a new 1,300-meter-long peripheral wall, enhancing the harbour's security and boundaries.

Efforts to improve vehicular flow within the often-congested harbour are also well advanced, with a new peripheral road currently being laid. This development aims to ease traffic congestion and streamline the movement of goods and people within the marketplace.

A significant boost for the fishing community is the completion of a spacious 86,000 sqft boat-repairing yard. Additionally, a designated parking area for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers has been established, addressing the previous issue of haphazard parking that contributed to the harbour's chaotic environment. These new facilities are expected to bring much-needed organization and efficiency to daily operations.

Sanitation infrastructure is also undergoing a major overhaul. Two new treatment plants, one for sewage and another for effluent, each with a substantial capacity of 75,000 liters, are nearing completion. This upgrade is crucial as it will address the issue of untreated waste previously flowing into the city's drainage system, significantly improving hygiene and environmental standards within the harbour.

Water storage capacity has been significantly enhanced with the addition of a new overhead tank and sump, collectively capable of holding one lakh liters of water. Furthermore, new toilet blocks, an administrative building, and dedicated shops for selling boat spare parts are in the final stages of construction. These additions are poised to significantly improve the working conditions for fishermen and enhance the overall operational efficiency of the Kasimedu fishing harbour. The completion of these remaining works will mark a significant milestone in modernizing this vital hub for Chennai's fishing industry.

ET