Matsya Mela at Bangalore's Palace Grounds from tomorrow

The fisheries industry is likely to get a major boost with Matsya Mela 2011 scheduled to commence on Friday. Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa will inaugurate the four-day event at Tripura Vasini in Palace Grounds, jointly organised by the department of fisheries in collaboration with national fisheries development board.

Dr NR Ramakrishna, joint director of fisheries (Inland) said that Karnataka was no lesser than other states in terms of resources.

“But the market potential is not exploited. We need more private investment. We hope the mela will help us in this regard,” he said.

He also added that about six acres have been designated for an aqua park in Hessaraghatta. The facility would see an investment of about Rs2-2.5 crore towards infrastructure development.

Ramakrishna said that many private organisations had shown interest in the project. “At least 30 organisations attended the stakeholders meeting,” he said, adding that the would be ready by 2012- 2013.