Pawar, CM to start Phase III of jetty extension on Nov 2

Mangalore, October 18: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda will lay foundation stone for the Phase III extension work of the fishing jetty in the fisheries harbour at old port on November 2.

The development work will be completed within three years, said Fisheries and Science and Technology Minister Anand V Asnotikar.

Speaking to the media persons during his visit to the old port to review the preparations for the foundation stone laying programme, on Monday, he said that the extension work will be taken up by the 'Mangalore based' Yojaka Company at a cost of Rs 57 crore. The new jetty will be 1,100 metres long and will be spacious enough to anchor 550 boats.

Dredging work

On the dredging work in the port, he said that Yojaka Company has already imported a dredging machine for the jetty extension work. The government has no plans to buy equipments to dredge at the estuaries as it requires a huge amount.

“The problem will be solved if Yojaka Company takes up the dredging work at the estuaries. The government will reserve Rs 4.5 crore for the same work. The work of Hejamady harbour has begun and tender for Mangalore harbour has been invited,” he said.When he was asked about providing compensation to the kin of six fishermen who went missing in the boat tragedy recently, he said the government has already given Rs 50,000 compensation to the victims' family. However the government could not give the full compensation amount as the bodies of the fishermen are not found so far.

Replying to one of the queries regarding the local fishermen facing harassment from fishermen and police in Kerala, Asnotikar said that he would take up the issue with the police officials in Kerala.

“A meeting will be held with the secretaries of the Fisheries Department of both the States to discuss issues pertaining to the fishermen. Solution will be found soon,” he informed.

Fisheries Department Deputy Director Suresh Kumar, KFDC Chairman Nithin Kumar, former KFDC Chairman Ramachandra Baikampady and others were present.