Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SHS)

Mangalore, Jun 9: Minister for fisheries and youth services and sports Abhaychandra Jain on Monday June 9 inspected the Old Port here and said dredging between the river mouth and the fishing harbour would be included in the project of constructing a sea wall along the coast under the sustainable coastal protection and management investment programme funded by the ADB (Asian Development Bank).

He was responding to the demand raised by Mohan Bengre, member of Purse Seine Fishermen's Union, who urged the minister to order immediate dredging as accumulation of silt at has been causing accidents. The accumulation of sand raises the surface level under the water giving rise to more waves. According to fishermen this causes accidents as the boatsmen find it difficult to steer towards sea.

However, when asked about the tender given to Mumbai-based private company for dredging, he seemed unsure and enquired with the officials who accompanied him, and contended that the company would look into further measures. Mohan Bengre expressed "We are apprehensive about which company in specific will remove the silt."

Jain speaking on the stay order imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Delhi on carrying out the third phase of extension work on the fishing harbour, said he would consult the lawyer who is handling the case. "The NGT has set up a committee comprising five members to inspect the place. I will attend the hearing in NGT that is slated for July 9," he said, expressing confidence that the stay order would be vacated.

The stay was ordered by the NGT on April 2 following a PIL filed by activist Octavia Albuquerque. The PIL raised objection to the filling up of a creek that exists at the spot designated for the extension work.

Referring to other key projects, Jain said an ideal berthing would be established at Bokkapatna in Sultan Batteri at a cost of Rs 5 crore under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The state government with NABARD assistance will construct 90 mt fishing jetty at Ullal at a cost of Rs 5 crore. At Kulai Rs 151.50 crore will be spent to construct 680 mt fishing jetty. "The fisheries roads will be developed as soon as possible," he added.

In a formal function organized by the department fisheries, Mangalore zone to give away facilities to chosen beneficiaries from the fishing community, Jain handed over financial aid to economically backward families. The third installment of Rs 25,000 was distributed to the families. The aid was given under Matsyashraya scheme (2012-2103) in which families are entitled to receive a sum of Rs 60,000 in three installments. During the programme he distributed free nets, insulators to the women involved in the fishing trade and life jackets to those who go fishing.