Kolkata, 31 July (H.S.) : Around one lakh marine fishing vessels across India will soon be equipped with ISRO-developed transponders under the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS), following the Centre's approval for the nationwide rollout of the project under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The Union Department of Fisheries on Thursday approved the project at a total cost of ₹364 crore. The initiative includes the installation of transponders on eligible fishing vessels, the establishment of earth stations and supporting communication infrastructure, and the rollout of the 'Nabhmitra' mobile application in regional languages.

Under the scheme, transponders will be provided free of cost to eligible fishermen. The project will be implemented on a 60:40 cost-sharing basis between the Centre and the states, while Union Territories will receive 100 per cent central funding.

The Vessel Communication and Support System has been indigenously developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance of marine fishing vessels. The accompanying 'Nabhmitra' application offers a range of safety and navigation features, including periodic position reporting, two-way messaging, emergency SOS alerts, automatic geo-fencing-based boundary crossing alerts, weather and cyclone warnings, potential fishing zone advisories, navigational assistance, and an e-Token/Trip Declaration system.

Officials said the system will significantly enhance the safety of fishermen by enabling faster search and rescue operations during extreme weather events. It will also help prevent Indian fishing boats from inadvertently crossing into the territorial waters of neighbouring countries by issuing timely alerts.

As part of the rollout, infrastructure will be developed at 423 Fish Landing Centres (FLCs) out of the country's 1,547 notified centres. The centres have been selected based on priorities identified by states and Union Territories, taking into account factors such as the number of operating fishing vessels, dependence of fishing communities, fish landing volumes, proximity to markets and processing facilities, techno-financial viability, and compliance with statutory requirements.

According to official records, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of Fish Landing Centres at 350, followed by Tamil Nadu with 301 and Kerala with 204.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh