Wed Dec 24 13:05:10 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Mayiladuthurai District in Tamil Nadu, India, is currently undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade at the Chandrapadi fishing harbor. District Collector H. S. Srikanth recently inspected the ongoing construction, which includes the building of river training walls, an extension of the piled jetty, and significant dredging. This ₹32 crore project, funded under the NABARD scheme, aims to address the issue of sandbar accumulation at the river mouth, which has been hindering navigation. The upgraded facilities will allow fishermen year-round access to the sea, improve safety, and boost fish handling and exports, ultimately benefiting the local fishing community and the government.

News Article:

Chandrapadi Fishing Harbour Undergoes Major Upgrade to Boost Coastal Livelihoods

Mayiladuthurai, December 24, 2025 – A significant infrastructure project aimed at revitalizing the Chandrapadi fishing harbor in Tharangambadi taluk, Mayiladuthurai District, is well underway. District Collector H. S. Srikanth recently inspected the construction, highlighting the importance of the project for the local fishing community.

The ₹32 crore initiative, funded under the NABARD scheme, focuses on constructing river training walls to combat the persistent problem of sandbar accumulation at the river mouth. This has been a major challenge for fishermen, impacting navigation and limiting their ability to venture out to sea year-round.

The project includes the construction of a 260-meter southern training wall and a 220-meter northern training wall, as well as a 60-meter extension of the piled jetty. Extensive dredging, removing approximately 96,250 cubic meters of sediment, is also a key component of the upgrade.

“These improvements will significantly improve the livelihoods of our fishermen,” stated a local official. “By ensuring safer berthing and landing of crafts, and allowing for year-round access to the sea, we anticipate a boost in fish handling, exports, and overall socio-economic well-being for the Chandrapadi community.”

The Chandrapadi fishing harbor is home to 2,895 fishermen operating 13 mechanized fishing vessels and 212 fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats. The existing fish landing center, inaugurated in August 2024, will be significantly enhanced by this latest project, positioning Chandrapadi as a key player in the region’s fishing industry. Construction began last December and is expected to be completed soon.

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