Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 19: Chief minister D K Shivakumar, who is on a visit to Mangaluru, made a surprise visit to the city's fishing harbour early on Saturday September 19 morning.
The CM interacted with fishing workers and women. He listened to the problems of the fishermen and heard the grievances of the women. The women expressed their distress over the lack of basic facilities such as toilets.
Later, speaking to media representatives, the CM said, “I came to know that activities here had been stopped because of my visit. I am not satisfied with this. A large number of local and workers from other states who depend entirely on fishing for their livelihood are here. This is their livelihood, and their daily activities should not be disrupted. I have instructed the deputy commissioner and the police commissioner to investigate the matter. If such an order has been issued by the officials themselves, the concerned official will be suspended.
“Leaders of the fishermen’s organisations met me on Friday and put forward several demands. Regarding dredging at the estuary mouth, a technical report will be obtained and further action will be taken. Steps will be taken to construct a separate hospital and toilets in the Old Port area.
“The fishermen have also complained about the presence of a mafia here. We will not allow this. The police commissioner has been instructed to take action, regardless of how influential those involved may be,” he said.
The CM further said, “Yesterday itself, I announced that there will be initiatives connected to the maritime and fishing industries and the Blue Economy. A university will also be established, and we are going to increase the number of student seats from 40 to 200.
“We are coming up with a new master plan for education, and we have announced several projects that will connect different parts of Karnataka. At present, there is no transportation of passengers or goods from one place to another. Now, we are going to introduce such connectivity, including the sea metro.
“I have come here today, and several suggestions have been put forward. My district in-charge minister is also here, and he will take care of all their problems. We will sort them out and give due attention to them.
“Whatever decisions we have taken are not limited to the coastal areas. Some decisions have been taken for rural development, villages and the entire state. These will be implemented in Gram Panchayats and Taluk Panchayat areas.
“The remaining projects will be taken up under the PPP model. A lot of infrastructure works will be undertaken, and we will implement them,” he said.
District in-charge minister U T Khader was present along with the chief minister during the visit.