Chennai is set to strengthen its ornamental fish trade with the establishment of a new trade centre in Kolathur. Spread over 3.93 acres in Siva Sakthi Colony, this upcoming facility will serve as a commercial hub for the vibrant ornamental fish market. Chief Minister M K Stalin recently laid the foundation stone for the centre, which forms part of a broader initiative to improve infrastructure and community amenities in North Chennai.
The centre will feature a two-storey building designed to accommodate 188 shops, with 70 on the first floor and 54 on the second. In addition to these shops, the facility will offer office spaces, a canteen, and parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) believe the new centre will transform Kolathur into a bustling hub for ornamental fish trade, supporting local entrepreneurs and boosting the regional economy.
Besides the fish trade centre, Chief Minister Stalin inaugurated six other development projects in North Chennai, including a community hall, a modern laundry hub, and improvements to local lakes such as Puzhal, Retteri, and Kolathur lakes. These initiatives fall under the North Chennai Development Scheme, a project with a budget of INR 1,000 crore aimed at addressing infrastructural gaps in the area.
The development of Puzhal lake will include a high-level walkway, natural viewing areas, a children’s play park, and modern drainage systems, all designed to rejuvenate the area and provide residents with better recreational options. The North Chennai Development Scheme is focused on the region’s equitable growth, with plans for model schools, housing developments, and skill development centres.
In March, CM Stalin launched 219 projects worth INR 4,378 crore to enhance the quality of life in North Chennai. The ornamental fish trade has long been a significant part of Chennai’s economy, and the new centre aims to support existing businesses while attracting new entrants, creating job opportunities for locals.
With this ambitious initiative, Kolathur is poised to become a major hub for ornamental fish trading, while the broader infrastructure projects promise to improve the lives of residents in North Chennai.
SOURCE: PRP NEWS TIME
