Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid foundation stones for two major fisheries projects in Odisha worth a combined ₹160 crore aimed at enhancing aquaculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods in the state.

The first is an integrated aqua park in Basantapur (Hirakud region), Sambalpur district, costing ₹100 crore, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The second is a modern fish market at Pandara in Bhubaneswar, slated at ₹59.13 crore, spread over 5.80 acres and equipped for wholesale and retail operations. 

Modi performed the event via video conferencing from New Delhi, while Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, and other officials participated locally. The projects are expected to generate employment, support tourism, and bolster fishery-based economic growth in the region. 

These steps come alongside the unveiling of agriculture-sector schemes like the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Mission for Aatmanirbharta in pulses.