Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 4: The central government plans to upgrade the fishing port here into 'A' category by providing all necessary infrastructure, with emphasis on providing a healthy and hygienic environment. Preparations for this have already begun.

Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - RAFTAAR of the union government, an action plan is under preparation to give preference for high quality fishing by improving infrastructure at the fishing ports. The fishing port here is planned to be upgraded and impetus is also being given to efforts to export fish from here. The fishing port in the city has been chosen for this upgradation.

Grants will also be given to develop this port into a healthy and tourist attraction port. A high level team of officials has already visited the port and listed out main needs of the port. After the report reaches the central office of the said scheme, grants will be released by the centre.

Important demands are effluents treatment plant for processing water used at the port and using it for other purposes Saline water processing unit is needed for fishing activity. The fishing auction yard needs to be developed into a modern facility. Connecting road development, CCTV cameras, streamlining of parking arrangements, solar lights and modern toilets are other facilities which are needed here.

Deputy director of fisheries of Dakshina Kannada, Harish Kumar, said that the team of experts visited the port and undertook scrutiny. He said that the team was provided with all the details and the centre will release grants as per rules and duly taking into consideration the local demands.