Parliament Question: Dredging Work for Safety of Fishermen

O.I.H GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3929 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17th MARCH, 2026 Dredging Work for Safety of Fishermen †3929. Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai : Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that tenders were issued for dredging work for the safety of fishermen and smooth movement of boats at Vanakwara and Port in Diu, but the work has not been started; (b) if so, the date of notification, estimated cost and the main reasons (financial/ environmental/dispute) for not starting the work yet; (c) whether the construction work of the proposed Harbour (Fisheries Port Development Project) for Bankwara Fisheries Port has not been started yet; (d) if so, the total sanctioned cost and financial source (Centre/UT/PMMSY) of the said project and the status of Detailed Project Report; (e) whether any agency/officer has been held accountable for the reasons for delay in the project; (f) whether the Government is likely to provide temporary alternative jetties/channel dredging facilities to the affected fishermen; and (g) if so, the time by which it is likely to be done and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) to (b): The dredging works at Vanakbara Fishing Harbour and Diu Port were accorded in- principle approval during FY 2018–2019 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The U.T. Administration reported that tenders for dredging works at Vanakbara Fishing Harbour and Diu Port were published on 06.03.2024 at estimated costs of ₹80.28 crore and ₹81.34 crore respectively. However, the tenders could not be finalised by the U.T. Administration. Subsequently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) de- sanctioned the project on 04.06.2024. Thereafter, the U.T. Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu submitted a proposal to MoPSW seeking administrative approval for dredging works at Vanakbara Fishing Harbour and Diu Port under the Sagarmala Scheme. However, the Sagarmala Scheme is co-terminus with the 15th Finance Commission cycle and at present there is no fiscal space available under the scheme.(c) to (e): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India on 04th September, 2024 approved the proposal of the U.T. Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu for development of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Vanakbara, Diu in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu at a cost of Rs. 128.86 crore with 100% Central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The project is implemented by the U.T. Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. The U.T. Administration has reported that during the initial tender process only one agency was found qualified due to which the work was re- tendered. The second tender was opened on 29.10.2025. However, the financial bid received exceeded the approved cost of the project. (f): The U.T. Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu has reported that the dredging activities are planned in a manner that does not affect fishing operations. (g): Does not arise. ******* . .