Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 16: The comprehensive development and modernisation of Malpe all-weather fishing harbour will be accorded top priority, while steps will be taken to facilitate fishing activities for the local fishing community, said minister for Muzrai, Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport K S Basavanthappa.
The minister was speaking after meeting office-bearers of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association at its office in Malpe on Tuesday. He also heard the grievances and demands of the fishermen.
Basavanthappa said Malpe fishing harbour has earned a reputation as the second-largest fishing activity harbour in Asia and assured that priority would be given to its modernisation. He said sincere efforts would also be made to strengthen the fishing industry across the three coastal districts of Karnataka.
Chief Minister has shown special interest in the development of the coastal region and has convened a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18. The government is keen to obtain comprehensive information about the coastal region and introduce new initiatives for the development of fisheries and tourism, he said.
Responding to concerns among local fishermen that tourism development in the coastal belt could affect their fishing activities, the minister said tourism would be promoted by adopting appropriate norms without affecting the interests and aspirations of the fishing community.
He said lakhs of fishermen have traditionally depended on fishing for their livelihood. Under the Matsyashraya scheme, assistance of Rs 1.20 lac is currently provided for construction of houses, but the amount is insufficient even for the foundation of a house. The issue of increasing the housing assistance, along with raising the diesel subsidy limit from 300 litres to 500 litres, would be discussed with the Chief Minister, he said.
The office-bearers of the fishermen’s association urged the government to extend to coastal fishermen benefits similar to those provided to farmers in North Karnataka, including agricultural subsidies, compensation funds and support prices. Responding to the demand, Basavanthappa said the matter would be discussed at the government level and appropriate measures would be taken. He assured that fishermen’s problems would be addressed in phases and steps would be taken to provide greater impetus to the fisheries sector.
Udupi MLA Yashpal A Suvarna said coastal fishermen risk their lives while carrying out fishing activities. He said the Malpe Fishermen’s Association has been raising the voice of fishermen from Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts, which together have a 330-km coastline.
Fishing contributes significantly to the coastal economy and the growth of GDP, he said, adding that better schemes and increased financial assistance for the coastal region would help strengthen the fisheries sector further.
Suvarna also highlighted several issues faced by fishermen due to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions and said they were unable to access various financial assistance schemes. He urged the government to extend benefits provided to agriculture on an equal basis to the fisheries sector.
He further requested the minister to establish a sea ambulance service in the Malpe area to provide emergency assistance and protect the health and lives of fishermen. He also sought the modernisation and upgradation of existing fisheries schools.
The Malpe Fishermen’s Association submitted a memorandum to the minister seeking fulfilment of various demands related to the Malpe harbour and the welfare of fishermen.
Coastal Development Board chairman M A Gafoor, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee chairman Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, leader Prasadray Kanchan, office-bearers of the fishermen’s association and others were present.