Chief Minister MK Stalin virtualy unveiled a new fish landing centre in Vanagiri, addressing the persistent demand of the village’s fishers. The centre, situated in Sirkazhi block, is designed to cater to the needs of approximately 3,400 residents, the majority of whom are engaged in fishing activities, reducing their dependence on other fishing harbours.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 8 crore through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), the facility includes a 70-meter wharf, a 280-square meter auction hall, and a 200-square meter net mending centre. Notably, 19,615 cubic meters of seawater were dredged during the construction process. Fisher representative V Chandiran expressed gratitude for the initiative but also voiced concerns about the wharf’s length, suggesting an extension to increase berthing space for motorized boats.
The fisheries department reports approximately 46 mechanized boats and 222 motorized boats, though fishers claim ownership of a more substantial number of vessels. Previously, Vanagiri fishers relied on neighboring fishing harbours, leading to conflicts with counterparts in Poompuhar. The new fish landing centre is expected to ease tensions by providing a dedicated space for Vanagiri fishers.
Following the inauguration, fisher representatives like K Velukannu are now advocating for additional facilities, including an ice plant for fish preservation and approach roads for fish traders to access the landing centre. Mayiladuthurai District Collector AP Mahabharathi, Poompuhar MLA ‘Nivetha’ M Murugan, and local body representatives, along with fisheries department officials, attended the inauguration. Plans for additional work, such as wharf extension, river training wall construction, and additional dredging, are underway, with a proposal of Rs 72 crore being sent for consideration.