Visakhapatnam is soon to have a Fish Food Zone (FFZ) similar to those already in place in Chidambaram and Bengaluru. Reportedly, the zone will consist of 62 containing dry fish, fresh water fish, marine fish and fish that will be used in restaurants to serve delicacies. Freezers will also be provided to those plying their trade here.
The AP Fisheries Department in collaboration with VUDA will so be building a G+4 structure on a 900 square yard area. The Fish Food Zone will be located adjacent to the fish market located at Dwarakanagar. The project that will take up Rs 4.74 crores has already Rs 2.74 released by the Fisheries Department to VUDA in its kitty. The rest of the funds will be provided to the same under special developmental packages for AP and National Fisheries Developmental Board (NFDB).
The fisheries officials recent met the CM and submitted a progress report regarding the same. He has in return given them inputs and asked them to speed up on the progress. VUDA is waiting for the project’s blueprint and when the design is confirmed, the developmental authority will be inviting tenders for the same. The Joint Director of Fisheries Department, VV Rao, reportedly said, “The department has planned to construct the building in the shape of a fish and make it a landmark in Dwarakanagar. We will finalise the design in a week following which Vuda will begin the construction works.”
The fishermen who sell freshly caught seafood on Sundays and Tuesdays will also be allowed to have their shops in the new building. They will have to adhere to the guidelines put in place by the Exports Promotion Council of India to do so. “With the state government planning to develop the city as a tourist destination, we are putting in all our efforts to provide hygienic restaurants to tourists. As fish is an international food, we plan to popularise it through the FFZ,” Dr Rao told TOI.
