Haldia, West Bengal: Originally envisioned as a chemical hub, Nayachar, a fishing island off the coast of Haldia in East Midnapore, is undergoing a transformation into a center for power generation and aquaculture under the guidance of the West Bengal government. This shift aligns with the state’s commitment to sustainable development, creating job opportunities for residents and boosting tourism in the region.
Initiated during the Left Front regime, Nayachar’s redevelopment has become necessary due to the emergence of non-labor-intensive industries in the area. As a result, the state government is focusing on eco-friendly and job-intensive projects. Coastal regulations mandate sustainable development on Nayachar, considering it an “eco-fragile zone” with sensitive soil conditions. Consequently, the government is promoting aquaculture, the controlled cultivation of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and other valuable water organisms.
The upcoming project involves the construction of a modular fish park on a 40-square-kilometer plot, featuring up to 75 modules. The government will retain 50 modules, with the remaining 25 allocated to private organizations. This export-oriented unit is expected to generate employment for a significant number of unskilled and semi-skilled workers.
In addition to the modular fish park, the government aims to restore existing aquaculture farms and establish new ones on Nayachar. The holistic approach seeks to position Nayachar as a leading eco-tourism destination in the country, further enhancing its economic and environmental significance.