Mumbai, May 18 (PTI) Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Monday said the state government will take steps to set up a fishing jetty at Burondi in Ratnagiri's Dapoli taluka with the aim of giving a major
boost to the fisheries sector in the region.
The government is positive about addressing the problems faced by fishermen in Burondi and creating the infrastructure needed for the development of the fishing industry, an official release quoted the state fisheries and ports minister as saying.
He was speaking at a meeting held to discuss the proposed fishing jetty at Burondi.
"Ratnagiri is one of Maharashtra's most important coastal districts and has a coastline of 237 km. After Mirkarwada port, Harne port in Dapoli taluka holds special significance. Harne, Dabhol and Burondi are among the main fish landing centres in the district," he said.
Burondi is a large fishing village with a population of around 7,000 to 8,000. A registered fishermen's cooperative society in the village has around 2,502 members, while nearly 100 registered fishing boats operate from the area, including a large number of one and two-cylinder boats, Rane said.
"A fishing jetty at Burondi would reduce transportation costs, help preserve the quality of fish and significantly improve the economic condition of local fishermen. The proposed jetty would allow fishermen to unload fish directly and provide easier access to diesel, water and other essential supplies," he said.
It would also offer safe shelter to boats during rough weather and encourage tourism and commercial activity, creating new employment opportunities for local youth, Rane said.
Rane said development work at Harnai fishing harbour is currently underway under the Centre's Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
Similar efforts are being made to build the required infrastructure at Burondi, and the proposed jetty is expected to provide a major boost to fisheries in Dapoli taluka, he said. PTI MR BNM
