Pics: Joshwa D'souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jun 3: Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo briefed about the necessary actions being taken to get Mangaluru smart city in the second list of smart City project.

Addressing a press meet here at his office on June 3, Lobo said "We were all ambitious that we would make it in the first list of smart cities but due to various reasons, we could not achieve it. Davanagere was chosen based for its place Mandakki Colony while Belagavi was selected for its Cantonment Area and its history. Old Port of Mangaluru has rich history. Major export of spices and other commodities were done from Mangaluru old port some years back. Lakshadweep was completely dependent on Mangaluru Old Port for all its imports but presently 80 percent of the exports are being executed from Kerala,"

"Mangaluru Old Port is the unique selling point of the city (USP) which provides employment to large number people. So this time we have taken our Old Port as the major concentration and we are preparing the proposal. If we develop the old port, then it will help generate more employment in fishing industry and export also. Thus we have chosen to develop Old Port in order to be chosen in the Smart City proposal. We are leaving no stone unturned to make it this time in the list of Smart Cities of India. We have already signed a Memorandum of Association (MOU) with Lakshadweep and they would be constructing a jetty at Old Port," Lobo added.

"Tile factories of Mangaluru cannot be re-established due to various reasons and cashew industry is also facing shortage of raw materials. By developing Old Port, it will help in realising tourism potential, export revenue. By these developments, the city will grow along with the creation of employment. So I urge the people to extend their full cooperation for getting Mangaluru in the second list of Smart Cities." Lobo concluded.

Congress leaders Balakrishna Shetty, Denis D'Silva, A C Vinayraj, Lancelot Pinto, Appi and others were present.