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**Summary:**

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, inaugurated a new ornamental fish trade center in Kolathur, Chennai. The center, a ₹53-crore project developed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), features 188 shops for traders, modern laboratories, conference halls, and parking facilities. The project aims to boost the ornamental fish trade, provide employment opportunities, and alleviate traffic congestion issues previously affecting traders in Kolathur. Local traders expressed their enthusiasm for the modern facilities, which they believe will attract foreign clients and benefit fisheries education. Kolathur is a key hub for ornamental fish trade, supporting hundreds of local families.

**News Article:**

**Chennai Gets Modern Ornamental Fish Trade Center, Aiming to Boost Exports and Local Economy**

**CHENNAI, October 12, 2025** – Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated a state-of-the-art ornamental fish trade center in Kolathur on Saturday, marking a significant step towards boosting the region’s economy and fostering the growth of the fisheries sector.

The ₹53-crore project, spearheaded by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), aims to modernize the ornamental fish trade in Kolathur, a key hub for the industry in India. The new center features 188 shops for traders, complete with modern laboratories and conference halls designed to promote exports. It also includes ample parking facilities.

“This center is one of the most important in the country and is expected to provide employment opportunities for 1,000 people,” said CMDA Minister P.K. Sekarbabu. He highlighted the rapid completion of the project, taking only 14 months.

Local traders lauded the new facilities, emphasizing the potential to attract international clients and improve the overall business environment. “We did not expect such a modern center of international standard,” said Abitha Begum, an ornamental fish trader. “The aesthetics, technical aspects, laboratories, incinerator, and conference hall has attracted foreign clients. The centre will facilitate growth and development of fisheries courses for students.”

The development addresses previous challenges faced by traders, particularly traffic congestion. The new center is inspired by the Uzhavar Santhai model, and aims to revitalize the ornamental fish trade in the area.

Kolathur is home to over 500 families who depend on ornamental fish breeding for their livelihood. The new trade center is expected to have a positive impact on these communities, solidifying Kolathur’s position as a leading center for the ornamental fish trade in India.

Fisheries Minister Anitha R. Radakrishnan, Members of Parliament Dhayanidhi Maran and Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, and Mayor R. Priya were among the dignitaries present at the inauguration.

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