Blue Revolution will help fishermen: Modi

AHMEDABAD/DAMAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched development projects worth ₹1,000 crore at Daman and Diu and inaugurated air services connecting the Union Territory (UT) to other parts of Gujarat.

At a function in Daman, Modi, who was joined by administrator Praful Patel, congratulated the UT on achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and lauded the efforts of the administration and the locals towards ensuring cleanliness.

As he praised the efforts of locals in saving ₹7 crore in electricity bills by opting for LED bulbs, the PM urged local fishermen to form small groups and register themselves to avail benefits of the Blue Revolution.

Modi said, “The government is taking several steps for the welfare of fishermen. Our entire emphasis on the Blue Revolution is inspired by the commitment to bring a positive difference in the lives of fishermen.

” He added that the government would provide long boats to the community, which would help the fishermen venture into deep seas and get a bigger catch. Modi, who inaugurated Air Odisha’s flight connecting Ahmedabad with Diu under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme UDAN, said the move would boost tourism in the region. “Tourists who want to visit the Somnath Temple and the Gir forest (in Gujarat) can now go (there) from Diu,” he said.

Compared to the road travel between Ahmedabad and Diu, which takes 12 hours, the new flight will cover the distance in one hour.

The PM also laid the foundation stone for a slew of projects, including a water treatment plant, a gas pipeline, a municipal market and an overbridge.