Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi (MS)

Belagavi, Dec 22: Minister for fisheries, ports and inland water transport S Angara said that tender process worth Rs 69 crore is on for the silt removal of Mangaluru and Karwar ports.

Answering the query raised by Manjunatha Bhandary of Congress, in the legislative assembly, the minister said, “Government is taking action to remove the silt and develop the fishing ports of Mangaluru, Malpe and Karwar. According to the availability of grant, silt removal is done once in four or five years.

“In 2017-18, silt removal was done on the front area of Karwar port, turning circle and water transport channels at a cost of Rs 31 crore. Now the same is being done at a cost of Rs 40 crore.

“In Mangaluru fishing port the last silt removal was done in 2013-14 at a cost of RS 4.41 crore. In 2018-19 front portion of old Mangaluru commercial port silt removal was done at a cost of Rs one crore. Now silt is being removed at a cost of Rs 95 lac from BMD ferry to Bengre. Tender is given for removal of silt at Bengre side of old commercial port of Mangaluru at a cost of Rs 29 crore.

“In 2012-13, silt removal was done at Udyavar bridge adjacent to Malpe fishing port at a cost of Rs 5.50 crore. In 2019 to 2021 period three people have died in Malpe as they fell into the sea and got stuck in the silt. Rs nine lac compensation is given to their families.

“Plan is made to remove silt in phases in navigation channels of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts at a cost of Rs 20 crore so that the boats can move smoothly,” he said.