Bhubaneswar, June 23: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the national launch of the Letter of Authorization (LoA) initiative aimed at promoting the sustainable utilization of fishery resources in distant and deep-sea waters.
The national-level programme is scheduled to be held on July 9, 2026, at Krushi Shiksha Sadan on the campus of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar. Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan is slated to attend the event as the Chief Guest.
The programme is expected to witness the participation of the Governor of Odisha, the Chief Minister, Union Ministers, representatives from various states, officials from national fisheries institutions, fishermen, and students pursuing fisheries and aquaculture studies from across the country. Nearly 1,000 delegates are expected to attend.
The Letter of Authorization (LoA) will enable eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels to undertake sustainable fishing operations in distant and deep-sea waters in compliance with national and international regulations. The initiative is expected to enhance livelihood opportunities for fishermen while ensuring responsible and sustainable exploitation of marine fishery resources.
During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed arrangements related to the Vice President’s visit and directed various departments to ensure seamless coordination. She emphasized strict adherence to protocol and highlighted the need for robust arrangements related to security, transportation, accommodation, crowd management, sanitation, uninterrupted power supply, healthcare support, and media facilitation.
The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department has been tasked with coordinating with all stakeholder departments to ensure transportation, accommodation, catering, and logistical support for fishermen and invited guests.
The Home Department and Commissionerate Police have been instructed to prepare a comprehensive plan covering VIP security, traffic regulation, and crowd management. Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Khordha district administration have been directed to undertake city beautification, venue sanitation, barricading, parking arrangements, and emergency response measures.
The Tourism Department and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) will oversee transportation and temporary accommodation arrangements for guests. OUAT has been entrusted with venue management, including stage setup, audio-visual systems, digital backup facilities, uninterrupted electricity supply, and deployment of student volunteers.
Addressing the meeting, Anu Garg said the programme would play a significant role in promoting responsible deep-sea fishing practices while safeguarding marine ecosystems, fishery resources, and the interests of future generations. She noted that the initiative would further strengthen Odisha’s position as a frontrunner in sustainable fisheries development in the country.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the state government's continued focus on the Blue Economy, with several initiatives being implemented to accelerate the growth of fisheries, marine, and coastal-based economic activities.
Among those present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary of Industries, Home and Information & Public Relations Department Hemant Sharma; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, Prem Chandra Chaudhary; Bhubaneswar Municipal Commissioner Chanchal Rana; Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India, Dr. Surabhi Rai; and senior officials from various Central and State Government departments and institutions involved in the event preparations.
