Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg urged to ensure the successful organization of the upcoming national launch program of the Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the sustainable utilization of fishery resources in deep-sea areas.
The national event is scheduled to take place on July 9, 2026, at the Krishi Shiksha Sadan of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar.
The preparatory meeting was attended by senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary of Industry, Home, and Information and Public Relations Shri Hemant Sharma, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shri Chanchal Rana, and Joint Secretary of the Union Fisheries Ministry Dr. Surabhi Rai, among other central and state government representatives.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary outlined the issues for deliberations and he detailed out the move for financial boost of the fishing community at large.
The Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, is slated to attend the event as the chief guest. The program will also see participation from the Governor of Odisha, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Union Ministers, representatives from various states, officials of national fisheries institutes, fishermen, and students of fisheries studies. Around 1,000 participants are expected to attend.
The Letter of Authorization will grant permission to eligible Indian flag-bearing fishing vessels to utilize marine resources in the deep sea sustainably, adhering to national and international regulations. This initiative is designed to boost the economic development of the fishing community while safeguarding marine ecology.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Smt. Garg reviewed all arrangements with special attention to the Vice President’s visit. She issued directives to various departments regarding security, traffic management, crowd control, sanitation, uninterrupted power supply, medical assistance, and media publicity. The Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development was directed to coordinate accommodation and transport for guests and fishermen. FARD Secretary Shri Chaudhary sought co-operation of the State Administration, said sources.
Furthermore, the Police Commissionerate and the Home Department were instructed to draft comprehensive plans for VVIP security and traffic control. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Khordha District Administration will handle city beautification, barricading, and emergency management. OUAT will manage stage arrangements, audio-visual systems, and student volunteers.
The Chief Secretary emphasized that this initiative promotes responsible deep-sea fishing, protecting marine environments for future generations, while establishing Odisha as a leading state in sustainable fisheries development. The Government of Odisha continues to place special emphasis on the blue economy through various initiatives aimed at developing marine and coastal economic activities.