PATNA: Bihar is set to establish 100 fish-selling centres across the state on the lines of Sudha booths, aiming to provide consumers with fresh and quality fish in hygienic conditions.
The initiative, named Fresh Catch Kiosk, is being implemented under the Saat Nischay-3 programme. The outlets will also offer online ordering and home delivery facilities.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the first Fresh Catch Kiosk on Sunday at the Fisheries Development Building परिसर in Mithapur, Patna.
The outlets will sell live and fresh fish as well as seafood varieties such as prawns, lobster, pomfret and hilsa.
100 Kiosks to Be Established in Two Phases
The state government plans to establish the kiosks in two phases. Thirty outlets will come up in the first phase, followed by 70 in the second.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Nand Kishore Ram said the first phase will cover Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and West Champaran.
The second phase will include Gaya, East Champaran, Kaimur, Rohtas and other districts. Additional outlets are also planned at several locations in Patna, including:
- Machhuatoli
- Patliputra
- Kankarbagh
- Urja Stadium
- BSEB Colony
- Raja Bazaar
- Phulwarisharif
The government plans to gradually expand the initiative to district headquarters, subdivisions and block-level areas.
What Facilities Will Fresh Catch Kiosks Offer?
Each kiosk will have facilities designed to maintain fish quality and ensure hygienic storage and sale.
The planned infrastructure includes:
- Cold-chain facilities and deep freezers
- Display counters for fish
- Clean water supply and drainage
- Electricity and backup power
- Digital payment facilities
- Waste management systems
The estimated construction cost of each kiosk is Rs 11 lakh. Considering possible price increases, the maximum projected cost has been set at Rs 13.20 lakh per outlet.
Three Tonnes of Fish Sent from Buxar to Siliguri
During the inauguration programme, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary flagged off a vehicle carrying three tonnes of Chelhwa fish to Siliguri.
The fish had been caught at Suiyan Bhagar Jalkar by a fisheries cooperative society in Buxar district.
The event was attended by Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Nand Kishore Ram, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, departmental secretary Shirshat Kapil Ashok and Fisheries Director Tushar Singla, among other officials.
‘Tarkari Outlets’ Also Planned in Patna
The programme also highlighted plans to provide consumers in Patna with fresh and quality vegetables through dedicated ‘Tarkari Outlets’.
The Fresh Catch Kiosk initiative is intended to strengthen access to hygienically handled fish while creating additional marketing opportunities for the state’s fishing communities.
