Karnataka to seek Rs 850 crore from Centre for overall development of Malpe fishing harbour: Minister Mankal Vaidya

Udupi: 10 October,25 (Bhatkallys News Bureau) The Karnataka government will soon send a Rs 850 crore proposal to the Union government seeking approval for the comprehensive development of the Malpe fishing harbour, Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport Minister Mankal S. Vaidya announced on Sunday.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a Rs 12.52 crore modernisation project of the harbour under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

“If the Union government does not consider the proposal, the State government will take up the project with its own funds,” The Hindu quoted the minister as saying.

Vaidya pointed out that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules continue to restrict coastal development in Karnataka, delaying several important infrastructure projects. “Projects worth Rs 2,034 crore have been held up because of CRZ restrictions,” he said, urging that the state’s CRZ norms be brought on par with those in other coastal states where such rules do not obstruct development activities.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, who also spoke at the event, said the PMMSY scheme has played a vital role in revitalising India’s fisheries sector. He called on the state government to prioritise dredging of estuaries and upgrading of fisheries jetties to ensure safe and continuous operations for fishing boats throughout the year.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Ports said the Rs 12.52 crore modernisation project will focus on improving sanitation and water supply, upgrading fish handling capacity, and strengthening security systems at the harbour.

They added that a reliable water supply and better handling infrastructure will help speed up fish auctions and vessel movements, while upgraded wastewater treatment facilities will address the long-standing issues of odour and contamination at the port.