The modernisation of fishing harbour at a cost of Rs. 40 crore figured at the meeting held by Minister for Fisheries and Industries N. Amarnath Reddy, HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Law and Justice Minister Kollu Ravindra here on Sunday. The discussions were held at a felicitation meeting conducted during Mr. Reddy’s first visit to the Fishing Harbour. Visakha South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, AP Mechanised Boat Owners’ Welfare Association president P.C. Appa Rao and representatives from the fishing industry accorded a warm reception to Mr. Reddy. Visakhapatnam Port Trust Deputy Chairman P.L. Haranadh attended the meeting and explained that the port had already agreed to contribute 10% of Rs. 40 crore proposed for modernisation of fishing harbour. The port also agreed to take up improvement of 220-metre road at the harbour. Mr. Haranadh told The Hindu that they would release Rs. 4 crore for the modernisation project under Corporate Social Responsibility. A detailed project report has already been finalised for modernisation of fishing harbour with funds from the Marine Products Exports Development Authority, Tata Trusts and State government. During the discussions, it was hinted that the State government would make a request for release of part of funds from Sagarmala Corporation. Jurisdiction Fishing harbour comes under the jurisdiction of Visakhapatnam Port Trust. Under the modernisation project, hygienic fish-mart, separate facility for fish drying and improvement in basic amenities is proposed. The improvement of fishing harbour had remained a long-awaited demand of the fishermen community. Visakhapatnam accounts for large quantity of seafood export mainly frozen shrimp. The export turnover is estimated at around Rs. 7,500 crore the largest among the fish landing centres in India.