The ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, the new annex building “ICAR-CIBA headquarters Block II” opened on Friday, May 28, 2021, adding an area of 8000 square feet. During the occasion Dr. K.K.Vijayan, Director, CIBA, highlighted the scope of the block, when additional floors are being added to the block, as it has the provision to have 10 floors including the ground floor presently constructed and opened. Dr. P.Mahalakshmi, Principal Scientist & OIC of Engineering Cell, CIBA, who facilitated the work with central PWD, presented that the ground floor houses the office for Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU), laboratories for ITMU/ABI for pilot scale production of new technologies for commercialization, and auditorium/meeting hall for 300 people and pantry room.
Addressing the scientists, officials and staff of CIBA, Dr. K.K. Vijayan, Director further highlighted the need of proper and effective utilization of the infrastructure facilities created in Muttukkadu experimental station with finfish and shellfish hatcheries, experimental farms, newly developed ‘mini island’, and at the upcoming Kovalam research station, for expanding the R&D in brackishwater Aquaculture. The 65 acres of land including potential brackishwater areas, at the KES can be developed for farm research and fisheries based livelihood activities. He had conveyed his appreciation to the CPWD Department for their timely support and cooperation during the execution of construction work.
During the function, Dr. P.Mahalakshmi, narrated the infrastructure facilities which are created for past 6 years at CIBA headquarters, MES of CIBA, Muttukadu, and Kakdwip Research Centre of CIBA, Kakdwip, West Bengal under different schemes/projects. She also extended her thanks to the support extended by the works committee and concerned officials and staff whose dedication and sincerity made this possible.
The function was concluded by vote of thanks by R Ananda Raja, Senior Scientist, AAHED, ICAR-CIBA.