Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Jan 22: Fishermen who usually are found busy with their profession of fishing took a break on Sunday January 21. They entertained themselves by indulging in competitions like fishing with rods, kite fllying, Kabaddi etc.

'Matsya Sagama' programme was organized by fisheries cell of BJP. Fishermen and locals joined hands to make this programme thoroughly entertaining and successful. 'Kinara Beach' which had come alive on the occasion of 'Oormani Habba' recently got more colourful with 'Matsya Sangama', where fish delicacies satiated the taste buds of the foodies.

The programme began at 3 pm with the initiation provided to tug-of-war by former legislator, Appanna Hegde. MLA, Haladi Srinivas Shetty, later joined the fishermen and thoroughly rejoiced at the intense competitions going on. He also joined the fishermen in the fishing competition and inspired them to compete more vigorously.

The meeting held later was inaugurated by Appanna Hegde, who noted that tourism potential of Udupi district has been harmed because of Coastal Regulatory Zone rules. "Many of the beaches in the twin-districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada should have witnessed development. As the district administration did not make use of two crore rupees grant which was sanctioned for tourism development in the name of CRZ rules, the fund meant for tourism was not used. There has been a down-slide in the facilities being given by government for fishehries sector. The fishermen have to fight for their rights. They should give fitting reply to the apathy owned by the government towards their welfare in the coming election," he advised.

BJP Udupi district president, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, hailed the success of the programme for which he gave credit to the sea that provides employment and the people who came together at the beach. "Fishermen contribute immensely to the economic system of the country. As compared to other jobs, fishing is extremely adventurous. When Yeddyurappa was the chief minister, he contributed to the significant development of various ports, and Rs 50 lac was sanctioned for third phase of work at Malpe when BJP government was in office. There is demand for developing Hejamady port but the grant sanctioned by the central government for the purpose was sent back as the state did not meet its share," he stated.

People involved with fishing for very long, like Gulabi, Narasimha Kharvi, Manju Naik, Saku Shankar Kharvi, and Gujjady Manju Naik were felicitated on this occasion. Prizes were distributed to people who came out victorious in various events organized on the occasion of 'Matsya Sangama'.

Udupi zilla panchayat president, Dinakar Babu, Mangaluru constituency in-charge, Uday Kumar Shetty, member of BJP state executive, Tingale Vikramarjun Hegde, local block BJP president, Kadur Suresh Shetty, Shankar Poojary, taluk panchayat president, Jayashree Mogaveera, and Udupi taluk panchayat president, Nalini Pradeep Rao, were among those who participated in the programme.

Sadanand Balkur of fisheries cell of BJP welcomed. RJ Nayana presented the programme.