Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 13: In a significant boost to maritime safety, Fisheries Minister Mankal Vaidya announced that a dedicated sea ambulance service is expected to become operational in Mangaluru by August. Tenders for the service have already been floated, aimed at enabling prompt emergency response and medical assistance for fishermen and seafarers.
Speaking after inaugurating the new ice plant facility of Bahar-e-Noor, a unit under the Mangaluru Coastal Minority Fishermen’s Primary Cooperative Society, near the main gate of the Fisheries Harbour on Saturday, the minister outlined several initiatives undertaken for the welfare of the coastal fishing community.
Vaidya said that a tender worth Rs 80 crore has been floated for the third phase development of the Mangaluru Fisheries Harbour and related infrastructure projects. He also announced that dredging work at the harbour is set to commence shortly.
Highlighting government support for the fishing sector, the minister stated that the diesel quota for fishermen has been increased from 1.5 lakh litres to 2 lakh litres, with measures to ensure the full quota is utilized within a five-month window.
Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader, who inaugurated the new building of Bahar-e-Noor, stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive fisheries policy for Karnataka's coastal belt. "Today, even those unfamiliar with the sea are investing in fishing boats. Along with good fishing practices, it is crucial that fishermen actively contribute to marine conservation by avoiding activities like catching juvenile fish," he said.
Khader added that fisheries organisations must take the lead in setting guidelines to protect marine resources and foster community unity among fishermen.
In a bid to decongest the busy Mangaluru Fisheries Harbour, a mini fishing jetty is planned at Kotekar at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. Further, a major project to construct a fisheries bridge connecting Bolar and Kotepura, with an investment of Rs 200 crore, has received approval.
Director of the Fisheries Department Dinesh Kumar K said that the newly inaugurated ice plant will be considered for support under the Matsya Sampada Scheme. He also indicated that work on the third phase of the harbour development and other initiatives will commence soon.
Meanwhile, Mangaluru City South MLA Vedavyas Kamath pointed out that tenders for dredging works under the Sagarmala project were floated nine times without success. He also noted that although the third phase of the harbour development was sanctioned two years ago, work has yet to begin.