Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Sep 26: “BJP MLA has been ruling here, in Kaup, for the last ten years. What is the contribution of the minister of fisheries here? Let BJP make public the amount of funds released,” demanded district youth congress president Vishwas V Amin.

He alleged that BJP district chief secretary, and fishermen federation president Yashpal Suvarna is making statements due to lack of experience, and disappointment due to the popularity of MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake who has responded to decades-old problems of fishermen.

“When their MLA and MP were here, they were in deep slumber and did not speak about Hejmady port. Our chief minister and the MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake had announced funds for the development of Hejmady port in the first budget itself. A project agreeing to share the cost in the 75:25 proportion was prepared. However, the union government is taking too long to release the funds and is asking a fresh proposal be submitted, wherein it will bear only 25% of the cost. It is laughable that BJP leaders are thinking about Hejmady port only as the elections approach.”

Bold decision by minister

“Our district in charge minister and fisheries minister Pramod Madhwaraj has taken special initiative for the development of Hejmady port. He has asked the fisheries director through the chief secretary of Ports and Fisheries department on September 23, for a fresh proposal.

"The ground breaking ceremony for the port will be held by the chief minister after state cabinet approval and formal approval of the union government. Though there were hundreds of  permit requests for fishing, BJP gave such permissions only to BJP party boat owners. The present minister has given the permission to all the applicants, a bold decision by him,” said Vishwas V Amin.

Contribution of MP Shobha Karandlaje is nil

“A five-kilometre long break wall from Muttu to Kutpadi worth Rs 78.44 crore is approved as per the recommendations of MLA under ADB project. Funds are approved from ports and fisheries department for a 43.35-kilometre long fisheries road. Concretization will be taken up at a cost of Rs five crores and a project for construction of bridge costing Rs 80 lacs is approved. A proposal worth Rs 10 crore for the development of Ermal and Padubidri beach through the department of tourism is submitted. Rs 3.02 crore compensation at the rate of Rs one lac is distributed to 302 country boat fishermen affected by the UPCL plant. Another Rs 4 crore will be distributed. The MLA has taken the initiative to remove the temporary jetty which caused problems to fishermen of Ermal Thenka.

"The contribution of present MP Shobha Karandlaje is nil. She did not even had the courtesy of visiting the fishermen who are affected by sea erosion. If they are so concerned about Hejmady port, let them release 50% subsidy towards the port,” said Vishwas V Ameen.