Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development, Social Welfare, Asiea Naqash today said that the traditional Fish Markets would be developed in the Srinagar under Smart City Proposal. The Minister said this during the distribution of Bicycles to the 50 Fishermen of Dal Lake under Blue Revolution Scheme at Nigeen Club. The function was organized by J&K Fisheries Department. Addressing the gathering, Asiea said that Fish Markets are the part of our tradition and names of different places are given on the Fish culture like Gada Kocha, Gadihainzpora , Gadi Bazar etc. “Fishermen played an important role in our culture and government will develop traditional Fish Markets in the Srinagar under Smart City proposal so that tourists are attracted towards different varieties of fishes especially Trout and also know the life style of fishermen residing in Dal Lake & Anchar Lake,” she said.J&K Fisheries Department were directed to identify the appropriate places in the city for the development of traditional fish markets under Smart City Proposal.
The Minister said that Government is committed to distribute every welfare scheme to the downtrodden people especially Fishermen. She said affordable houses were already provided to 119 Fishermen of Dal Lake. For the rehabilitation of Fishermen, Minister disbursed Rs 25 lacs under SADP to the JKLAWDA to develop new Fish Market at Hazratbal with the expert guidance from J&K Fisheries Department.Later, Asiea visited Trout Fish Farm Dachigam and took the stock of Rainbow & Brown Trout Fish rearing on Scientific Lines. Minister was informed that during current year 5 lac seeds of Carp variety were dropped in the Dal Lake at different locations which will boost the fish production in the lake. Minister directed Fisheries Department to provide each and every logistic support and welfare schemes to the fishermen so that their livelihood will be enhanced. Director J&K Fisheries Department R. N. Pandita, Joint Director Kashmir Mohammad Amin Wani, Joint Director (Projects) Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Deputy Director M. M. Bazaz and other concerned officers accompanied the Minister.