Bhubaneswar: A high-level preparatory meeting was convened today at the Lok Sewa Bhawan Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg to ensure the smooth organization of the National Launch of Letters of Authorization (LOA) for Sustainable Use of Fisheries Resources in Deep Sea Areas.
The national program is scheduled for 9th July 2026 at the Krishi Shiksha Sadan, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar. Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan is expected to grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The event will also be attended by the Governor of Odisha, Chief Minister, representatives from concerned Union Ministries, officials from various states, heads of national agencies, fisheries students, and other stakeholders. Around 1,000 participants are anticipated.
The Letters of Authorization (LOA) will enable eligible Indian-flagged fishing vessels to sustainably harness fisheries resources in the deep seas in accordance with national and international norms. The initiative is expected to boost the economic prospects of fishermen while promoting responsible fishing practices.
During today’s meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed all arrangements in view of the Vice President’s visit and issued detailed instructions to various departments. She laid special emphasis on protocol compliance, security, transportation, temporary accommodation, crowd management, cleanliness, uninterrupted power supply, medical facilities, and media coverage.
The Odisha State Fisheries and Livestock Development Department has been tasked with coordinating temporary accommodation, transportation, food, and other facilities for guests and participating fishermen. The Home Department and Police Commissionerate have been directed to prepare a comprehensive plan for VIP security, traffic management, and crowd control.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Khordha District Administration will handle city beautification, cleanliness, barricading, parking, and emergency services. The Tourism Department and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation will manage guest hospitality and transportation facilities, while OUAT will look after stage setup, audio-visual arrangements, DG backup for power, and student volunteers.
Chief Secretary Garg highlighted that the program will help protect fish resources and the marine environment for future generations, encourage responsible deep-sea fishing across the country, and position Odisha as a leader in sustainable fisheries development at the national level. The Odisha government is placing special focus on the development of the Blue Economy through various initiatives aimed at the sustainable growth of fisheries, marine, and coastal economic activities.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma (Industries, Home & Information and Public Relations), Commissioner-cum-Secretary Premachandra Chaudhary (Forest and Livestock Development), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana, Joint Director (Fisheries), Government of India, Surli Ragha, and other senior officers from Central and State government departments and agencies.
