Zoological Survey of India

India has a long coast line of about 7000 km and the marine ecosystem offers a rich biological resource, much of which remains to be explored.  The coastal zone of West Bengal Comprises parts of Purba Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas. The coastal zone of West Bengal is quite unique of its kind because of its sheer exotic floral and faunal variety that thrives in the mystic mangrove swamps of Sundarban deltaic regions to the enamoured coastline of Purba Medinipur known for its casuarina embedded sand dunes, ingress of less turbid but saline sea water, cuspate delta of the Subarnarekha, and neo-tectonic depressions in its western side. The entire 210 Km coastline of West Bengal is under reeling under severe pressure due to rampant uncontrolled anthropogenic interventions.

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project plans to address these critical issues pertaining to preserving of the unique ecosystems by taking into confidence the local populace in a participatory and holistic approach. One significant component within this project is to assess as well as aware people about the importance of faunal resources i.e. sea, estuarine areas, brackish-water lakes and back-waters of the eastern coast of India and their interaction with the marine ecosystems.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is associated with this project as one of the Pilot Investment Executing Agencies primarily because it is the only taxonomic organization in the country involved in the study of all kinds of fauna occurring in all possible habitats from deepest depth of the ocean to the inhospitable terrain of Himalayas. ZSI has been providing regular services with regard to permissible limits of legal trading of faunal resources or derivatives thereof, monitoring services on population status of commercially important species and provides input for underutilized, culturable species both from terrestrial and aquatic systems. ZSI also provides timely warning on declining population of species of commercial importance to ensure sustainable use of components of biological diversity. ZSI also involves in environmental impact assessment of certain areas.

The implementation of this entire project component will be at Marine Aquarium & Regional Centre, Digha. ZSI has been mandated to implement the following tasks within the ICZM Project:-

A.  Training on Integrated Coastal Zone Management:

The purpose of the training is to provide effective and sustainable training and advisory services in coastal zone management in West Bengal. The goal of this project sub-component is to establish effective institutional capacity at state level for integrated coastal zone planning and management. The moot point is to increase awareness on the conservation and sustainable usage of marine biodiversity.

This has two components: -

i) Conducting training programme for civil society organizations and primary stake holders (Community training)

Training has been imparted mainly to the primary stakeholders comprising of fishermen, hoteliers, members of Gram Panchayat, representatives of hawkers union etc. on the prudent usages of pro-sustainable on-farm and non- farm livelihoods that can flourish in a coastal ecosystem. Primary stake holders who are dependent on coastal bio-resources learnt that there is no conflict of interest among the apparently alien concepts e.g. sustainable development, economic empowerment and livelihood enhancement activities.

ii) Conducting training programme for West Bengal State Government officials, local self-government officials and Panchayat Raj Institutions

The first training program that has been imparted to the officials of Government of West Bengal is aimed to sensitize the first-hand knowledge managers about various issues related to the coastal and marine biotic and abiotic resources available in general in the coastal areas of West Bengal in particular. Training also includes livelihood practices of the coastal people, exploitation of the coastal people by both endogenous and exogenous forces, the nature and the categories of the stake holders both primary and secondary, threats both natural and anthropogenic on the marine resources and their resultant impact on the ecosystem. However the principle objective of this training program is on the managerial aspect of managing the coastal resources in tandem with CRZ notifications through scientific intervention and conflict resolution amongst the competing interest groups.

B.  Establishment of a Marine Museum & Interpretation Centre:

Marine Museum: The Marine Museum which is to come up will promote education, research and training in conservation and sustainable development of marine resources, and a rational deployment of biotechnology. Among its facilities are the free standing exhibition tanks, live open water reef exhibition centre, live shallow reef exhibition centre, mangrove walk, contemporary Marine and Maritime Museum, Multimedia Interactive Information Kiosk, and Sipadan deep dive diorama. Exhibits of the museum can act as reference for educational, and research programmes and will help the visitors to appreciate, understand and work in maintaining and sustaining the varied marine and coastal natural resources of especially in the coastal zones adjacent to the state of West Bengal.

The museum shall exhibit issues on:

• The natural history of coastal marine fauna including seabirds.

• Current research activities of MARC, Digha.

• The marine ecosystems i.e. Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Sea grasses etc.

• Awareness creation on conservation through display of models of cetaceans i.e.whales, dolphins, dugongs, and etc.                                                                                            

Interpretation Centre: The proposed Interpretation Centre will aid in generating and sustaining public understanding and appreciation of the marine environment. It also provides an insight to:

o Marine Biodiversity and endangered species.

o Fishing methods, edible fishes and their conservation.

o Impacts of climate change and sea level rise.

o Coastal pollution- cause and effects; their prevention and control.

o Threats to natural habitats- coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass and also their conservation.

o Sea exploration- minerals, sea mounts and hydrothermal vent animals.

o Sustainable development including pollution prevention and control.

The interpretation centre will have visually–stimulating colour photos, and graphics. It will also contain well-preserved specimens and artefacts, including both hands on and hands off items.

C.  Modernization of Marine Aquarium: To renovate and upgrade the existing aquarium to a high standard. The following issues are proposed to be attended:

• Upgradation of the existing filtration system of the aquarium and to make it semi-closed.

• Recycling of the exchanged water.

• Removal of Total Dissolved Solids through efficient mechanism.

• Utilization of U.V. sterilizers, one at the multi bed pressure filter and other at the discharge area of the storage tank. This will make water recycling more effective and will give pathogen free water.

• Inclusion of Micron filters to remove suspended particles thereby increasing the effectiveness of U.V. sterilizers.

 Description of the tanks to be set up:

•  Community tank with invertebrates and fishes like sea anemone, crustaceans, tube worm, sea cucumber, sea star and fishes that are compatible with the invertebrates

•  Sea grass and sea weed planted aquarium with sea horse and pipe fishes

•  Aquascaped tanks domiciled by marine eels and jelly fishes

•  Separates Tank for Damsel fishes and Clown fishes

•  Tanks for poisonous fishes like Lion fishes, Puffer and Sea Dragon

•  Aquascaped tanks for Wrasses, Angel, Squirrel Fishes, Grouper, Sea Bass, Rabbit,

Basslet, Banner, Moorish Idol, Parrot, Dotty Back, Tangs, Powder Blue, and Trigger fishes

•  Crustacean tank for crabs, shrimps, lobster, hermit crab

•  Tanks for Butterflies, Batfish, Sweetlips, Arowana, estuarine fishes,

•  Fresh water species like Cichlids, Angel, Parrot, Koi Carp etc.

•  Decorated tanks that will be resided by skates, rays and fast swimming fishes

•  Aquascaping with live and dead corals, live rocks and sea rocks.

•  Fish quarantine system to quarantine the fishes against parasites and infection

•  Artemia hatching and culturing tank for feeding the tubeworms, corals, mollucs etc.

D. Upgradation of Infrastructure facilities: Apart from modernization of aquarium and establishment of marine museum and interpretation centre, it was realized to upgrade certain existing infrastructure facilities to the Centre which was approved through revised DPR. The infrastructure facilities viz. air-conditioning, false ceiling, flooring, laboratories, furnitures, equipment, etc. will be added to following part of the Centre:

¨       Auditorium

¨       Conference room

¨       Laboratories

¨       Museum and Interpretation centre

¨       Aquarium gallery

¨       Scientist rooms

¨       Common toilets

Project Tenure: - Five Years

Project Cost:-Rs 4.11 crores

Digha - Sankarpur Development Authority

Digha is the seaside resort town of West Bengal where a large number of people tripped in for a couple of days to relish and blend themselves to its unique sublime and serene ambience. Digha is located 187 km from Kolkata. It falls under the jurisdiction of Purba Midnapore district and geographically positioned at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal. Digha is West Bengal's most popular sea beach where tourists mostly from economy class thronged in large numbers, by quietly moving away from the usual din and bustle of hectic life for the sake of revitalizing themselves in an infinitesimal manner. Digha is originally known as Beerkul during Warren Hastings time was discovered in the late 18th century by the British. It is mentioned as the "Brighton of the East" in one of Warren Hasting's letters to his wife. Today‘s Digha is someway the brainchild of Dr B. C. Roy who nurtured the idea of promoting Digha as a popular beach resort which can entice people to visit it repetitively. The entire beach of Digha is dotted with casuarina plantations that sprung up over the sand dunes which not only add to the scenic aestheticism but also in containing the erosion.

However due excessive anthropogenic interventions in recent times Digha is facing multitude of problems that have serious repercussions on the coastal ecosystem. Blatant usage of natural resources, flagrant violations of CRZ rules, unauthorized constructions along the sea shore, discharge of solid waste in a brazen manner is someway pushing Digha on the brink of an impending catastrophe that is beyond redemption.

ICZM Project intends to address this particular issue of how a tourist spot can sustain itself by stabilizing the vital parameters connected to ecological footprints. A major portion of the developmental works under the ICZM Project at Digha will be implemented by Digha-Sankarpur Development Authority (DSDA), which is functioning under aegis of Department of Urban Development, Government of West Bengal. DSDA is instrumental of executing various developmental projects and schemes that spread over 42 mouzas under Digha P.S. and Ramnagar P.S. with 8752.63 acres of land.

The ICZM project mandates DSDA to implement a number of relatively small but important projects within the ICZM project that have a strong local perspective. These pilot projects are in the form of several small interventions aiming towards beach cleaning, beach beautification and providing basic civic amenities to the inhabitants of and inbound tourists that thronged at Digha. The proposed developmental work elements include the following sub-components:-

A.   Beach Cleaning and Sanitation at Digha

The virgin of Digha has undergone considerable wear and tear and if no significant measures are taken at this moment then the disfigurement to the sea beach of Digha will go beyond refurbishment. DSDA in consultation with SPMU-ICZM project will embark on the following tasks:-

o        Beach cleaning

o        Pay and use toilets along with changing rooms with shower facilities

o        Pay and use toilets without shower facilities

o        Removal of unauthorized shops /shanties that encroached upon the beach with suitable rehabilitation schemes which includes construction of rehabilitation and training centres mainly focuses on those hawkers occupying the adjoining sea beach area in an unauthorized manner.

B.   Beach Beautification and Illumination at Digha

DSDA has identified 12 sites for creating landscaped gardens, greeneries for amusement as well as for recreation of the inbound tourists along with beach area and garden illumination.

C.    Solid Waste Management in areas under Digha-Sankarpur Development Authority

The upcoming solid waste management system will consists of primary sorting of the waste and refuse at the points of generation, collection and transportation of the waste and refuse, putting the biodegradable materials into the process of vermicomposting, recycling of the non-biodegradable but reusable waste components and finally disposal of non-biodegradable remnants through engineered sanitary land filling system. The proposed site for solid waste disposal at Padima mouza of Digha lies beyond the Coastal Regulation Zone within landward side. Therefore, no CRZ compliance is necessary in implementing this component.

D.   Development of Drainage System

The present drainage system in Digha is not only derisory but also in pathetic condition. The present drainage system directly dumps the sullage into the sea and thereby contaminating the sea water with toxic elements which are hazardous for sustenance of coastal habitats in the long run. Open surface drains to be built at Digha only to collect the surface run-off and carry the water at a non-silting velocity by gravity flow.

E. Phytoremediation at Digha

Phytoremediation is the use of living green plants for in situ risk reduction and/or removal of contaminants in soil and water. The present proposal intends to build a Bioremediation STP which is to be located behind Aparajita cottage. Bioremediation STP will significantly reduce Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) load and also stabilizing the DO (Dissolved Oxygen) to a certain extent. BOD is a measure of the content of biologically degradable substances in sewage. The septic water from the surface drain will be made to flow in a number of channels properly designed with implementation of specific variety of plants to interact with pollutants and thereby to reduce the toxicity and make the water suitable for discharging into the sea with BOD₅ concentration less than 30ppm.

F. Livelihood Generation in DSDA area

DSDA will also work in the livelihood generation for the local populace. Digha has rich tradition of artisans capable of producing exquisite export quality conch shell artefacts, decorated mats; however they lack exposure to market their products resulting in inadequate revenue generation in comparison to the time and energy spent. Several areas as listed out have been identified under ICZM Project has enormous potential in employment generation for the local populace provided the stakeholders are guided in tandem with the emerging market dynamics:-

       Travel and Tourism

       Food Processing

       Handicrafts

       Aquaculture

       Floriculture

       Horticulture

       Civil works

       Electrical

       Secretarial Practice

Project tenure: 5 years

Estimated project cost is Rs 62.25 crores.

West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited

Sagar Island is the westernmost island of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta that lies at the mouth of the Hooghly River. It is located 100 km from Kolkata. Sagar Island falls under the jurisdiction of South 24 Pargana and is totally cut off from the mainland by Muriganga River. The total geographical area of the island is 286.03 sq. km. The locational disadvantage coupled with erratic climate change especially during the monsoon season turned out to be the major constraints in providing logistical support for continuance of essential services at Sagar Island. Sagar Island till recent times doesn’t have any facility with respect to grid electricity. Absence of power debilitates the economic growth of Sagar to a large extent. Sagar is deprived of some of the basic amenities e.g. healthcare, education, communication, electricity etc. whose cumulative effect triggers growth that diminishes poverty, generates employment, increases the per capita income and improves capital formation of the economy in aggregative terms. The importance of Sagar doesn’t only pivots around the mythological sage “Kapil Muni’s Ashram” and “Gangasaar Mela” where million pilgrims across the country swarm on the eve of Makar Sankranti but also to those teeming million who resides over there facing all odds with humility that transcends generation after generation.

Till recent times Sagar has only a limited number of domestic consumers and commercial utilities who are provided with electrical power from diesel generating (DG) sets for five hours each day supplemented with solar photovoltaic power plants supplied through WBREDA. Another step to contain the issue of Sagar Island’s energy starvation is through the implementation of Wind-Diesel Project consists of 10 wind generators of 50 kilowatts capacity each, two 180 kVA diesel generators and a controlling system but even if the project is implemented in its entirety it can cater to the need of only a handful of villages.

The total number of population in Sagar Island is about 2.26 lakh out of which only 2,178 people (around 220 households) have access to electricity and that too through DG sets. These statistics indicate that only a minuscule number of residents of Sagar Island have access to electric power. Number of commercial consumers is so abysmally low that it can’t be reckon with. At present number of commercial consumers are only 394. Taking into consideration the decadal growth from 2001 census the estimated population of the island will increase from 226,974 to 319,374 by 2017-18. This implies that there will be an ever increasing demand of power in the island. Only viable solution to this problem is to connect Sagar Island to grid power. The requirement of power is estimated at about 9.5 MW by 2017-2018.

In order to foster the spirit of inclusive growth at Sagar Island and to enhance the quality of life through augmentation of commercial activities, industrial activities, irrigation facilities, etc. West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has been assigned the task of electrification of Sagar Island under the ICZM Project. WBSEDCL has come into being after restructuring of erstwhile West Bengal State Electricity Board in compliance of Electricity Act 2003. WBSEDCL is a major power utility of the state. It has been projected that the total financial outlay of this project component is `34.2450 crores which will be spread over in the successive 5 years. According to the initial projection it can be stated that all the prospective consumers of Sagar Island will start getting individual connection from the grid by 2012- 2013. This will contribute immensely towards qualitative improvement of the standard of living of the common citizenry at large. The present project has been conceived for electrification of all the 42 mouzas of Sagar Island with 100% household electrification work.

The Sagar Island’s electrification work has the following important components:

i)              Drawl of 33kv line from the existing 33/11 kV Kakdwip substation at Kakdwip up to Lot 8 river bank.

ii)             Crossing over river Muriganga through river crossing towers to Kachuberia on Sagar Island.

iii)            Drawl of 33kv line from Kachuberia up to Rudranagar substation.

iv)           The aforementioned works has already been completed. The construction of river crossing tower and stringing was undertaken by West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd. (WBSETCL), whereas the construction of Rudranagar substation and drawl of 33 kV line from Kakdwip to Lot 8 and from Kachuberia to Rudranagar substation has been undertaken by WBSEDCL.

v)            The construction of substation has been completed as per the planned schedule of work. The Rudranagar substation has been made operationalized for catering to the energy requirements of the people of Sagar. The present project under ICZM Project covers drawl of 11 kV line from Rudranagar substation, drawl of LT line and the installation of distribution transformers at various location of Sagar Island to supply grid power 24X7 to all the potential consumers.

The Sagar electrification is going on in full swing with the sole objective of making the people of Sagar feel that they are not the estranged from their counterparts at the mainland when it comes in providing the basic infrastructural facilities to shore up the human development index. The above work was entrusted to the turnkey contractor named  M/s starling & Wilson Ltd with the work involvement: Drawl of HT line: 42 km trunk and 448 Km spur line, drawl of LT line: 3 phase 443 km, total number DTRs to be installed is 621 and 43000 household will have electrical connections.

Environmental and Social impact:

Implementation of this project is expected to bring enormous improvement in the environmental aspect of Sagar Island. The grid power has been made available to Sagar Island from October 2011 and consequently the DG operation has been phased out. Hence the CO₂, CH₄, SO₂, NO_X and other harmful exhaust gas emissions due to the operation of DG sets which are polluting the environment has been contained to a certain extent. This scheme has been proved useful not only for controlling greenhouse gas emission but also will provide a fresh impetus on the expansion of tertiary sectors apart from providing a fillip to the growth of the education system.

The other social benefits are as follows:

• Increase in river lift irrigation by using electric pump operated by grid power will contribute better cultivation.
• The continuous supply grid power will be used for preservation of fruits, vegetables, fish etc. resulting minimization of losses.
• Establishment of ice factory.
• Setting up of fruit processing units.
• Development of small scale units, commercial establishment, industries.
• Expansion of health care facilities.
• Improvement in education facilities.
• Rural employment generation as a cumulative effect after commissioning of this project.
• Better facilities can be provided to the sage Kapil Muni’s Ashram and Ganga Sagar Mela so that tourists can stay there not only for spiritual satiety but also for recreation which in a way trigger the process of generating newer avenues of employment.

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Planning

At present only a limited number of consumers get power hence the plausibility service interruption is negligible until and unless some extraneous factors come into play. However WBSEDCL has been geared up to execute any kind of tasks in Sagar pertaining to both preventive and corrective maintenance as per its established norms.

 Preventive maintenance includes:

¨       Periodical trimming of tree branches near the lines.

¨       Maintenance of HT lines, distribution transformers, load balancing and other associated activities.

Besides this, restoration of supply in case different system outages shall be taken care of by WBSEDCL as a part of maintenance work.

With an increase in number of route length of electric lines and consumers, number of officials would be increased for Rudranagar Group Electric supply office on pro rata basis.

After implementation of the project, majority of the works under the scheme shall be outsourced either to the Self Help groups or to other agencies that have the requisite expertise in the aforementioned arena. Maintenance cost of the asset has been estimated as approximately INR 0.8 million per annum, which translates to almost 0.23% of Project cost.

WBSEDCL has started contemplating the idea as part of its corporate social responsibility program to utilize the services of the economically weaker sections of the society in Sagar Island. The objective of engaging the marginal populace through SHGs is to supplement their income, encouraging skill formation at the grassroots level, particularly among the womenfolk, exploring the opportunities of self-employment at rural area and encouraging the participation of rural people in the management of rural infrastructure by way of infusing a sense of ownership among them.

WBSEDCL intends to employ the services of the SHGs for streamlining the processes i.e.

a) Mobilization of consumers

b) Meter Reading

c) Delivery of Energy Bills to the consumers

Before engaging the SHGs, the members will be trained on the basic aspects of consumer mobilization and meter reading by WBSEDCL. The members will also be trained on the process of filling up of different forms required for consumer connection etc. These members will hence assist the local population to fill up the required requisite formats and to place their applications for new connections to WBSEDCL in a meticulous manner without any hassles. All the expenses pertaining to the activities to be undertaken by SHGs would be borne by WBSEDCL through its Public Participation Cell.

Subsequently, considering the provisions provided in Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd. for Rajeev Gandhi Gramin Viduytikaran Yojna (RGGVY), it can be further decided to extend the scope of work depending on the performances of the SHGs at the second phase by incorporating:

a) Collection of Revenue

b) Minor maintenance work.

WBSEDCL realizes the importance for skill development of the members of the SHGs so that the entire stream of activities can be perpetrated in sync with the overall process panorama. WBSEDCL intends to solicit the assistance of a technical institute to impart training to build capacities of the SHGs engaged with WBSEDCL’s O&M tasks.

Disaster Management:

Sagar Island is cyclone prone area. So, while erecting the PCC poles and other equipment adequate protection has been taken in the design as well as in the implementation phase. The span of LHT (Line High Tide) pole and LLT (Line Low Tide) pole are designed at 60 M and 45 M respectively to withstand the effect of wind load and cyclone.

The Operation and Maintenance (O&M)  team exclusively dedicated for Sagar Island will combat disastrous situation as and when necessary, to maintain uninterrupted supply of power. Since it is not possible to provide any back up power to Sagar Island, the sole responsibility lies with the O&M team to manage the situation. The SHGs will also be utilized by the O&M team of WBSEDCL as and when such situation arises.

Projected Electricity requirement unto 2018:

On the basis of the 2001 census report, 10% population growth in each year has been assumed for the future projection. In addition 10 persons per family have been assumed. Present average domestic load is 140 kW per consumer and average commercial load is 620 kW per consumer. The electrification work will proceed in phases and initial trend shows that within the stipulated time frame the project can be declared as completed.

Projected Population, Consumer, Consumer Growth (BPL) at Sagar Island

Projected Growth of Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural and other Consumers

West Bengal Fisheries Corporation Limited

The citizenry of West Bengal or particularly the Bengalis at large have an indomitable passion to have any kind of delicacies prepared with fish. There will be a sudden spur on their appetite and gastro-intestinal hormones simply while huddling together to find out the nitty-gritties of preparing any mouth–watering delectable fish recipes. It would be hard to detect any market in West Bengal even in the remotest and underdeveloped regions where fish trade is not being done. Bengalis culinary include both fresh water and sea fishes for centuries and that continued with equanimity despite the turbulences in its socio- economic order. Fresh water fishes that are being supplied to the markets of West Bengal not only come from the local ponds, tanks, rivers, Gangetic estuary but also from neighbouring states. The marine fishes too have a huge demand for both the domestic as well as international market. There a few marine fish auction centres in close proximity with the West Bengal’s coastline and amongst them Mohona located at Digha is known for its large consignments of exotic collections that are being traded at premium prices.

 

Even before the dawn embellishes the horizon of Mohona - its bustling with a flurry of activities as the small motorized boats started queuing up along the shore with their catches that are being loaded onto them by the trawlers. A sizeable number of fish-laden trawlers usually dump their catches at Shankarpur but due to inadequate infrastructural facilities and inaccessible markets the entire catch is ferried to Mohona. But at present Mohona where the bulk of the marine fishes are auctioned and traded is deprived of ice- plants, fish processing units and fish drying mechanisms. The entire state of affairs at Mohona is shoddy and projects a bleak picture in terms of hygiene and sanitation and in the process it is jeopardizing the long term interests of those innumerable people who are eking out their living by trolling the Bay of Bengal.

The existing set up at Mohona consists of unsanitary thatched sheds with open platforms without any proper drainage, sewerage and treatment of waste water or disposal of solid waste mechanism. With the efflux of time auction has increased many fold in conjunction with the exports. Exporting of marine fishes fetches foreign exchange-a small contribution in making the country’s balance of payments favourable. However the marine fish exporting agencies are being accosted with the problem whether their exported products are in compliance with Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) standard or not. This kind of certification requires an overhauling of the entire system in a planned and structured manner modulated with scientific interventions and this is where the efficacy of ICZM Project turned out to be crucial for adopting a holistic approach.

The ICZM Project which intends especially to improve the livelihood of the local fisherpersons proposes to construct a fish auction centre and an ice-plant which will in a way enable benchmarking of the fish products at par with international standards at Mohona.

West Bengal Fisheries Corporation Limited (WBFCL) a wholly owned Government company under the Department of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal has been entrusted with the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the construction of fish auction centre and Ice-Plant at Mohana, Digha. WBFCL has been working for years for the development of fisheries in its entirety through scientific interventions. The total cost of the activity will not exceed `681 lakhs. The upcoming facility will be a modern and eco-friendly capacity complaint which will adhere to all the public health norms.

A critical analysis from the perspective of socio-economic parameters it can be stated that the upcoming facility will generate employment of about 200 jobs who can be engaged in Ice plant/Cold Storage and other utility services. Moreover during bumper catch, the price of catch slides as there is neither any control over the catch of fishes nor over the market dynamics. Hence to regulate and stabilize the market volatilities especially from speculative tendencies the construction of the cold storage of 100 MT capacities and flake ice plant are required for keeping the extra catch and to avoid deterioration of fish during transit respectively. Provisions will be there in the auction centre where a few number of fisherwomen and traditional fishermen could continue their teensy-weensy commercial activities.

The proposed project component will include the development of infrastructural facilities at Mohona which includes the following:-       

Auction Hall

One auction hall having 104 Nos. of auction place proposed on the raised platform inside a covered space. All existing auction places in the makeshift fish market will be accommodated in to new auction hall. Two auction places will be reserved for fisherwomen and traditional fishermen. Proposed covered area of the auction centre is 93 m.X85 m. which should be free from mosquitoes & flies. Doors will be provided with air curtain and windows are provided with fly proof net. Fish will be auctioned on the raised platform surfaced with washable stone. Walls will be provided with glaze titles. Arrangement of spot lights will be there for the purpose of illumination.

Drainage

The drainage system will be overhauled. The pipe underneath the covered drain will discharge at effluent treatment plant. Proper lateral connections with PVC pipes connected at pits have been proposed to be laid in order to facilitate the linking and clearing of the drains.

Internal Road

Concrete paved wide carriage way will be built in between cluster of two pairs of auction places. Another minor carriage way will also be constructed connected with emergency exit points.

Box Washing Room  

One Box washing room with suitable washing system and disinfectants have been considered. This room has been arranged outside the auction hall.

Public Change Room

One Public change room has been provided in between two entrances so that the room can be used by the persons entering from both the entrances. Persons connected with the fish handling at the auction centre will change their dresses, hand gloves, foot gloves before engaging themselves in their daily chore of fish handling. After the work the same will be deposited and used items will be disinfected in the autoclave that will be placed in the room.

Feet Washing Place

At the downstream side of every entry points one foot washing cum disinfecting sink containing chlorinated water circulated by a pump will be constructed. The disinfecting sink will have appropriate provisions for drainage, treatment and disposal of waste water.

Public Utility

One toilet with bathing place will be erected. The sanitary waste will be disposed through septic tank and soak pit. Bathing water will be discharged through effluent treatment plant.

Electrification and lightening

Main electrical line will be connected with the present source of supply. Poles at 9 m. intervals will be installed with two mercury lamps for amplifying the existing lightening facilities. Provision has also been made for exhaust fans for the purpose of aeration and ventilation.

Emergency exit points and Fire extinguishers

Emergency exit points will be there at 12 m. intervals along the cross section of the auction hall. Fire extinguishers will be place at critical junction points in order to contain any fire conflagrate due to electrical short circuit or from inflammable or combustible materials used by the fishermen.

Waste Water Management

Waste water from the project area will be mainly washout from fishes and bathing water waste from the change room or toilets. So, water is first proposed to be treated in a bio-pond and same will be discharged after filtration and chlorination.

Cold Storage and Flake Ice Plant

A combined flake ice plant and one cold storage will be established under the same roof to optimize the operating cost. During excessive production of fish catch coupled with lean domestic demand and inadequate export linkages fishermen find no other alternative but to go for distress sale of their catches. To address this issue of distress sale, one cold storage of 100 MT. capacities has been considered to be built at Mohona. Another 20 MT. Flake ice plant will be constructed for easy handling of ice for making crate and to prevent loss of heat during crushing and using.

Connecting Road

A concrete road for carriage way for entry and exit will be constructed to connect Digha Mohana Road with the Auction Centre. This road will lead through an open field and the entire field will be enshrouded with grass to minimize the effect of dust pollution.

Quality Control laboratory

Quality control of the marine fish catch will be done in a laboratory which will be constructed inside the auction centre. The testing equipment will be provided by the Fisheries Department through their budgetary provisions. The Fishery Scientists will man the quality control laboratory for testing the quality of the marine fish catch landing at the centre. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India will be the third party for quality checks of the end products.

Economic & Financial Analysis

The projected internal rate of return has been estimated to be 17% after taking into consideration the cash inflow and outflow in a financial year. The projected Expenditure Statement has been prepared on the basis of the expenditures that are being incurred now by the existing functional fishing harbours.

O & M Planning

The operation and maintenance of the ice plant and cold storage will be out sourced to reputed concerns on the basis of their proven track record in different fishing harbours of the State. Necessary interventions will be there for rodent control, vermin control and insect control. Storage and Slum services will also be out sourced to local agencies. Electrician and Pump Operator with Helpers will be provided by the WBFCL for day to day operation and maintenance of the centre. The existing manpower that is available at Shankarpur Fishing Harbour at Shankarpur will support the assets management and accounting of revenue and expenditure at the centre. The tariffs and revenue will be earned up as per the scheduled plan of action detailed in the financial analysis of this project component. Subsidies in the form of manpower and equipment will be given by the Fisheries Department at quality control laboratory.

Service Level Monitoring

Presently about 283 MT. of fish are unloaded at the existing auction centre. It is expected that at least 10% of the quality will be increased by minimizing losses in handling of fish in a somewhat messy and unhygienic manner at the present auction centre. The activities at the newly constructed ice –plant and the auction centre will be monitored daily by the officers of the West Bengal Fisheries Corporation Ltd.