Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SN/SP)

Kundapur, Mar 11:  The work of removing silt from the river bed was resumed at Gangolli port on Tuesday March 10 at 12 pm. It may be recalled that because of the accumulation of silt here, boats were finding it difficult to navigate through the estuary and several accidents over the last few years had accounted for loss of several lives and boats.

After a conflict arose between two companies over the dredging work, the Hab Company had discontinued the silt removal work, giving rise to chagrin among the local fishermen.

Gopal Nayak, chief executive engineer, fisheries department responded by taking the local officials to task for the confusion and convinced Hab Company to resume desilting work on Tuesday.

Later, the work of removing silt was given a new beginning in the presence of the fishermen and officers at the auspicious hour after performing certain rituals.

Capt Aravindan, manager of Hab Company thanked the department officials.  He promised to complete the work as soon as possible to facilitate the fishermen.

Krishna Kotian, fishermens' leader, G Ramappa Kharvi, Ravindra Patel, Ratnakar Kharvi and others were present on the occasion. The fishermen are happy, expecting that the port would be able to regain its past glory once the dredging work is completed.

Earlier, throbbing to the problems faced by the fishermen due to the repeated suspension of desilting work, chief minister Yeddyurappa and fisheries minister Anand Asnotikar had ordered the officials to take up the work and finish it at the earliest. Fisheries department chief executive engineer Gopal Nayak is scheduled to visit the port today to take stock of the situation and guide the concerned.