Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jan 24: Foundation stone was laid for the long-awaited jetty at Sultan Battery, Boloor here on January 24, by Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes along with state minister for fisheries K Abhaychandra Jain.

The project is being undertaken by the fisheries department under NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund XIX at a cost of Rs 5 crore. The 100-meter long jetty will be constructed along with a 300-meter concrete road to connect the main road to the jetty.

A memorandum was submitted to minister Jain urging sanctioning of land for the construction of an ice plant, a petrol pump and to take up dredging in order to make the movement of motor boats easier.

Addressing the gathering, Abhaychandra Jain said, "I am happy that we have laid the foundation stone for this project. Tender has been already finalized and work will start from tomorrow. I am saying this because the previous government had just laid the foundation stone but had not set aside money for the project. But now I have already reserved Rs 5 crore for this project from my ministry. So there need not be any confusion among the fishermen about the completion of the jetty.
"After the finalization of the tender, there were savings of about Rs 90 lac and I have directed the officials to utilise the money to extend the jetty. In the coming budget, another Rs 5 crore will be granted for the extension of this jetty. The demands in the memorandum are genuine and I have already directed the officials to do the needful."

Oscar Fernandes said, "The minister has already directed the officials to honour the demands in the memorandum. This shows his concern toward the fishermen. There is a need to develop the available facilities. Construction of such jetties is very essential as it will facilitate better trade. By constructing jetties in different places there will be increased availability of fish and ease trading as well. I congratulate the fishermen who have gathered here. I also thank the MLA, the minister and all the officials on taking up this project."

Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo said, "I thank Abhayachandra Jain for sanctioning grant for this new jetty here. He has the highest concern for fishermen. This was a long-pending demand. There is a lot of confusion about the construction of the Sultan Battery - Tannir Bavi hanging bridge. I want to assure the people that it would be done, without any doubt. The hanging bridge will cost about Rs 14 crore, out of which Rs 7 crore has already been kept aside and another Rs 7 crore will also be sanctioned. It is delayed because of technical reasons. The design done previously was suitable, so the PWD department has taken up the work and planning is under progress. A meeting will be convened in Bengaluru on January 27 of PWD department officials to discuss the design of the bridge, and aspects like whether to construct a permanent bridge, and if yes, then what should be the height as boats have to move under it.

"A swimming pool of international standards is also coming up at Yemmekere and tender process is already done, and work will start at the earliest. I assure that I will do my best to provide the best infrastructure for the city," he added.

Mayor Jacintha Vijaya Alfred, corporator Shashidar Hegde, Latha Kamalaksha Salian and others were present.