Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Feb 5: State fisheries, ports and inland water transport minister Mankala S Vaidya visited the Malpe Fishing Port on Monday, February 5.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that when he inspected the Malpe port, there was a problem in anchoring the boats in the port, driving them and towing them. He said that a blueprint is being prepared to solve these problems which will be resolved soon.
In 2017-18, funds were released to carry out various works at the port. Due to the CRZ problem there was a technical hurdle to carry out the works. Steps have been taken to resolve the CRZ problem of 320 km of the coastal part of the state. He said this will happen soon and the work will be carried out.
"A sum of Rs 3 crore has already been spent on the background of silt in the harbour leading to the possibility of obstruction to the movement of boats. The silt lifting work is being carried out. There is a demand to lift the silt in the port throughout the year for the smooth movement of boats," he said.
The minister said that the government is thinking of purchasing the silt lifting machine in private partnership. .
"There is a demand for expanding the Malpe port. We will take the fishermen into confidence and expand. There has been a demand for a sea-ambulance system from the fishermen of this region for a long time as well," he said.
The minister said that a grant will be given in this year's budget and sea-ambulance will also be provided for Malpe port. Drinking water system, rest room and toilet system should be provided in the port for the convenience of fishermen and fisherwomen.
The district has arrears of Rs 9 crore of Fishermen's Distress Fund for the last 4 years. Mankal S Vaidya said that the government has already distributed Rs 8 crore to the families of those in need. Last year, the government had given Rs 175 crore as free diesel subsidy. "Our government is giving Rs 250 crore in the current year," he said.
The government is in favour of fishermen and is committed to creating infrastructure and initiate projects that support fishing. "Fishing is a difficult profession. Selling them later is also a difficult task. Government will respond to the fishermen along with their grievances," he said.