Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SS)
Mangalore, Oct 19: “For the past one-and-a-half month, around 20 ships have been anchored at the Mangalore port, crores of revenue has been lost, and a large number of laborers have been rendered jobless, this is due to the irregularity in conducting the annual inspection and the bottom survey which is conducted every three years but has not been done,” said Harish Kava, a vessel owner, addressing a press meet on Saturday October 19.
The Old Mangalore Port Users Association had pleaded the government to carry out inspection and grant the necessary permissions. Captain R Mohan, director of ports and the port officer, is the only eligible officer who can conduct the inspection.
Harish Kava said, "When the Old Mangalore Port Users Association contacted Captain R Mohan, he denied of any notices submitted by the government."
It is also said that the cargo ships that had to be sent to Lakshadweep and the ships that were expected from Gujarat
have been at a standstill. Basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity; pilot boat facility and dredging facility are not yet available.
A letter stating the same has been sent to the minister of forests Ramanath Rai, health minister U T Khadar, MLA J R Lobo, government chief secretary, chief secretary of Mangalore Port Users Association, director of Mangalore Port Users Association, deputy commissioner and the police commissioner.
As told by Harish Kava, J R Lobo has promised to conduct a meeting and address their grievances on Monday October 21 by 4 pm.
The annual inspection is being held from September 15 to October 15. “During rainy season there is no business; the season has just started and such chaos is creating immense trouble,” they said.
It is learnt that Old Mangalore Port Users Association will hold a protest in front of the port if no action is initiated by the government or any other officer by October 21.
Jeevan Kumar and Abdul Habbi (committe members) and Chandradas Kerka, the press members of Old Mangalore Port Users Association were present for the press meet.