Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 1: The third jetty at Bunder here had been sanctioned by the central government a decade ago. The proposal moved to the stage of construction, but for one reason or the other, was held up. This time there is hope that the construction of the jetty will become a reality this time. The state cabinet has given its nod for the project and currently, the project is in the tendering stage.
The remaining work on the third phase fisheries port extension costs about Rs 22 crore. The estimated plan for the same has been approved by the state government. This has given rise to a newfound expectation in the minds of the fishermen.
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After the first two jetties were built, some problems were created for the boats and the fishermen. Therefore, a decision to build the third jetty was taken in 2010. But the project hung in limbo as there was a lack of coordination and willpower among the departments. The fishermen, who thought that it would be enough even if some work of immediate necessity is attended to, had demanded the sanction of Rs 22 crore for emergency works.
The central government had given its nod for the third phase expansion works worth Rs 57.6 crore. The state government was to bear 25 percent of this cost. In 2011-12, the tender was granted to a contractor who was asked to complete the work by 2015. When the work was in progress, in tune with the demand of fishermen, the height of the southern side of the jetty was permitted to be increased to three metres from the earlier 2.5 metres. Cost estimate was revised and a revised proposal for Rs 72.8 crore was submitted.
Some people questioned the jetty construction as they had an objection with the southern side of the jetty, by approaching the National Green Tribunal. The work was stalled from April 2014 to May 2016. The bench later passed an order to complete the work as per the plan and sought submission of the report. But the work did not gain momentum, and the contractor refused to attend to work on the basis of a seven-year-old estimate.
It was therefore suggested to get consent from the previous contractor and then submit a new proposal. Now the government has permit to undertake jetty work as per the temporary plan, said chairman of fisheries corporation, Nitin Kuma?.
Minister for fisheries, S Angara, said that the jetty construction work was approved by the cabinet in April and that the work would be completed soon. He said that suitable instructions have been issued to the officials.