Ahmed Khan Malik

Delays in the implementation of several fisheries development schemes have raised concerns among coastal communities and industry stakeholders, as planning weaknesses and coordination gaps continue to hinder projects meant to modernize the sector. Despite significant allocations under national and state-level blue economy initiatives, many schemes remain stuck at preliminary stages, reflecting what officials describe as “systemic weaknesses” in project formulation and field-level readiness.

According to officials, the projects often encounter problems well before construction begins. Feasibility studies are frequently outdated, incomplete, or disconnected from on-ground realities such as land availability, environmental constraints, and existing community usage patterns. As a result, tenders are postponed, revised multiple times, or fail to attract qualified contractors—adding months, and sometimes years, to implementation timelines.

A Fisheries Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said proposals submitted by local bodies often “overpromise and under-assess.” He cited cases where fish landing centres were designed without considering tidal variations, or cold-storage facilities proposed without verifying uninterrupted power supply. “When we begin detailed scrutiny, shortcomings emerge that force redesigning. This undermines the very purpose of fast-track funding,” he said.

Stakeholders said these delays directly affect small-scale fishing communities that rely on upgraded infrastructure to improve income. Fishermen’s cooperatives across several districts report that promised harbour improvements—such as dredging, auction halls, sanitation facilities, and breakwater strengthening—remain incomplete even after multiple foundation-stone ceremonies. In some areas, temporary shelters built during initial work phases have deteriorated due to prolonged inactivity, creating safety hazards and financial losses.

Environmental clearances are another major stumbling block. Coastal regulation norms require rigorous assessment, yet planners often submit generic proposals that fail to adequately address local ecological impact. This results in repeated objections from regulatory bodies and long cycles of inter-departmental correspondence. Financial structuring challenges further complicate execution. Many projects receive preliminary approval without ensuring matching grants, land acquisition financing, or operational budgets.

Consequently, departments find themselves unable to progress even after central approvals. In several states, mid-year budget reallocations have halted work, leaving partially completed structures idle. Industry representatives warned that these bottlenecks threaten efforts to expand India’s fisheries sector, a key driver of rural employment and export growth.

“With global demand for seafood rising and opportunities in aquaculture increasing, efficient infrastructure is vital,” said Faisal Mahmood, former chairman of the Seafood Processors Association. “A modern harbour, proper cold-chain linkages, and scientific handling facilities can significantly raise fishermen’s earnings. But unless planning is grounded in reality, we will continue losing precious time.”

He noted that some state fisheries departments have begun adopting digital tools such as GIS-based site assessment, real-time tidal modelling, and remote monitoring of project milestones. “The Central government is reportedly considering guidelines that would make pre-project readiness assessments compulsory before funds are sanctioned. These include ensuring land transfer, environmental compliance, community consultation, and clear maintenance plans,” he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk