Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Oct 2: "The third phase of development works of Mangaluru fisheries port has stopped because of shortage of funds. Central government is not providing the funds as per proposed 60:40 ratio. It is a project with an outlay of Rs 57.60 crore. But it took two years to get the necessary approvals. Now the project cost has gone up to Rs 83.55 crore. But Central government has only sanctioned Rs 3 crore and state has spent Rs 39 crore. If the Central government provides the agreed amount, the project will be completed soon," said J R Lobo ,MLA ,Mangaluru South.
Lobo was addressing the media on Monday, October 2.
“The projected time of completion is already over and now we should knock the doors of Green Bench again for new approval for work. Beside this, we are facing the shortage of funds because Central government has not provided agreed amount. 60 % of funds should come from Central government and 40 % from the State government. The State has already given its quota. Compared to the Central, the income of State is very low and it cannot take up major projects like harbours. So we are appealing to the Central government for 60 % of the funds,” Lobo added.
“Beside this, the State government sanctioned Rs 40 crore for the development works of Old Port. Central government provided Rs 25 crore for this project. There is plan of an exclusive jetty for Lakshadweep trade which is projected at Rs 68 crore. If we complete this project, the trade between Lakshadweep and Mangaluru will increase by fivefold. State government has already appointed a committee for implementation of this project,” Lobo informed.
“We have also received Rs 47 lacs from State government for dry fish unit at Bengre. We already have a project of Rs 4.5 crore for a 100 meter new canal from Alive Bagilu to Bunder. These things have made our old Bunder again active in water trade and tourism.” Lobo concluded.
Aslam, president of Bengre Masjid, Chetan, Mohan and Shekar Suvarna of Mahajana Sangha were also present in the press meet.