Modi says potential of seaweed farming being explored
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has highlighted India’s effort to increase its share in the global seafood market, leading to benefits for Lakshadweep as local Tuna fish is being exported to Japan.
During his visit to the islands on 3 Jan, he underlined the possibilities for export quality local fish that can transform the lives of the fishermen, and informed about the exploration of the potential of seaweed farming.
He also inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stones of development projects worth more than Rs.1,150 crores in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
The development projects cover a wide range of sectors including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare and education.
He emphasized protecting the fragile ecology of the area and said the solar power plant at Kavaratti, which is the first-ever battery-backed solar power project of Lakshadweep, is part of such initiatives.
“Lakshadweep is turning out to be a prime destination for cruise tourism,” said Modi as he informed that the influx of tourists has increased five-fold when compared to five years ago.
The Prime Minister also reiterated his clarion call to the citizens of India to visit at least fifteen places in the country before they decide to visit abroad. He also urged those wanting to visit the island nations in foreign lands to visit Lakshadweep. “Once you witness the beauty of Lakshadweep, other destinations in the world will appear pale,” he added.
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kadmat which will produce 1.5 lakh litres of clean drinking water every day.
The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation, the Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) in all households of Agatti and Minicoy islands. The availability of potable water was always a challenge in the islands of Lakshadweep as being a coral island, it has minimal ground water availability. These drinking projects will also help in strengthening the tourism capacity of the islands, leading to increased local employment opportunities.
Other projects which were dedicated to the nation include the solar power plant at Kavaratti, which is the first-ever battery-backed solar power project of Lakshadweep. It will help to reduce dependency on the Diesel-based Power Generation plant, the new administrative block and 80-man barrack in India Reserve Battalion (IRBn) Complex at Kavaratti.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the Primary Health Care facility in Kalpeni and the construction of five model Anganwadi Centres (Nand Ghars) in the five islands of Androth, Chetlat, Kadmat, Agatti and Minicoy. Fiinews.com
