Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, March 6: Development works at the Gangolli port, one of the Udupi district’s prominent fishing hubs, have commenced under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, bringing renewed optimism to the local fishing community.
The port, which has been reeling for the past three to four years under declining fish catch, deteriorating facilities, inadequate infrastructure and damage caused by natural calamities, is now set to undergo long-awaited improvements.
As part of the project, work has begun on the construction of two fish landing platforms near the old jetty and two rest house buildings for fishermen. In addition, an enclosure wall will be built around the port premises, strengthening basic facilities at the fishing centre.
Fishermen press for restoration of collapsed jetty
Even as new development works begin, fishermen have renewed their demand for the restoration of the port jetty that collapsed earlier.
After the jetty collapsed in 2018, reconstruction work on a 379-metre-long new jetty had been initiated at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. However, in 2022, around 50 metres of the structure collapsed into the sea while the project was still under construction, raising serious concerns.
Following the incident, the government appointed experts and sought a technical report. After reviewing the findings, the fisheries minister approved the reconstruction of the jetty.
The contractor entrusted with the work had reportedly made preparations to resume construction in December 2023. However, the project could not proceed after senior officials of the fisheries department visited the site and directed that the design be modified and that construction be carried out in accordance with the CICF report.
Meanwhile, a complaint alleging substandard construction has also been filed with the Lokayukta, further delaying the project.
With the jetty work stalled, fishermen say they are facing significant difficulties in berthing their boats and bringing fish ashore at the port. They have urged the government and the concerned departments to take immediate steps to repair and restore the collapsed jetty and ensure smooth fishing operations at the port.