Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jul 1: The central government has sanctioned Rs 196.51 crore for the construction of an all-weather fishing harbour at Kulai, informed MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

Addressing a press meet here on Sunday July 1, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "There was a lot of demand for this harbour. The department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries jointly with New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) will pitch in up to 45% of the project cost, that is Rs 88.43 crore, the ministry of shipping will put in 50%, that is Rs 98.25 crore, while the Karnataka government will contribute 5%, that is Rs 9.83 crore, which takes the overall project cost up to Rs 196.51 crore.

"The all-weather fishing harbour will come up on 10 acres of land which is under central government without any disputes. The harbor will have lot of benefits. Around 600 boats can be accommodated which will reduce the pressure on old Mangaluru fishing harbour. The project will give employment to about 2,500 local fisherman. The harbour will consist of two open spaces, a boat repair shed, and rest room for fisherman," he said.

Moving on to other issues, he said, "We have two Kendriya Vidyalayas in Mangaluru - one at Yekkur and the other at Panambur. Last time I had sent a proposal to HRD minister Prakash Javdekar to open one more Kendriya Vidyalaya in Mangaluru, and it has now been sanctioned at NIT-K, Suratkal. We have already discussed this matter with NIT-K director and a separate Kendiya Vidyalaya will come up inside NIT-K in 5 acres of land.

"We have also started Mission Anthyodaya project to address the multiple dimensions of poverty. As many as 97 gram panchayats have been identified in the district under Mission Anthyodaya. The project has been initiated with the motive of bringing all villages to the same level of development, and bring the backward villages forward, where they should have all kinds of facilities like banks, ATMs, educational institutions, hospitals, primary health centres," said Nalin Kateel.

Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty, corporator Ganesh Hosabettu and others were present.