Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who created a new chapter by holding a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru for the first time, made a surprise early-morning visit to Mangaluru Port on Saturday and listened to the concerns of the fishing community.
The Chief Minister visited the port at 6 a.m. and inspected the port area. He travelled by boat and gathered information from officials and representatives of the fishing community about the development projects already undertaken at the port and the measures that need to be taken in the future.
“Docking facilities are currently available for 200 boats. If new docks are constructed for boats at the confluence of the Phalguni and Netravati rivers and the Arabian Sea, it will provide berthing facilities for more boats. For this, dredging needs to be undertaken. Dredging has not been carried out for the last 25 years. Dredging needs to be done in the two rivers and at the estuary,” former Fishermen’s Association presidents Chetan Bengre and Mohan Bengre explained to the Chief Minister.
“Since sand has accumulated along the waterfront of the port, it needs to be removed. If channel-marking buoys are installed to indicate the deeper areas in this region, it will help boats navigate smoothly,” officials informed him. The Chief Minister subsequently directed the officials to take necessary action.
Trade Halted; CM Expresses Displeasure
The Chief Minister expressed displeasure after noticing that fishermen had not been allowed to carry out their trade at the port in view of his visit. “Trade should not be stopped under any circumstances. This will affect the livelihoods of fishermen and traders. Why has the trade been stopped? Start it immediately,” he instructed.
Media Interaction:
Action against those who stopped Trade:
“During my visit, activities at Mangaluru Port have come to a standstill. I have directed the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner to submit a report to ascertain the reason for this. If officials are responsible for this, I will suspend them. If this has been done with the intention of concealing irregularities, I will take appropriate action. I do not need any security. I have come here to understand the ground realities of the fishing community, which depends on fishermen, traders and boats,” he said.
Action Against Irregularities and Violations of Law:
“People come here from different parts of the country to conduct trade and business. They should not face any kind of inconvenience. Basic infrastructure should be provided and vehicular movement should be smooth.
I have noticed that roads have been blocked and that compounds have been constructed illegally in this area.
Regardless of how influential or powerful those who have violated the law may be, action must be taken against them without any hesitation. If it is private property, we will examine the records and take it over for the Government. We will undertake development,” he warned firmly.
“Small-scale fishermen have brought to my notice the problems they are facing regarding berthing their boats. We will discuss the matter with the district in-charge ministers and officials and take a decision,” he said.
“The fishing community is a large community. People from all sections are working here harmoniously. It is an economic powerhouse. This community should be encouraged. Therefore, a separate university will be established here. The existing 40-50 seats will be increased to 200. Our government has decided to give emphasis to education, the Sea Metro and the blue economy,” he said.
Rs. 16,000 Crores for Infrastructure
“We have already announced Rs. 32,000 crores for development. Of this, Rs. 16,000 crores have been allocated for infrastructure such as roads and water supply in the rural areas here. We will obtain a comprehensive report on where business and commercial activities are taking place in Mangaluru and Karwar and formulate a plan to provide the necessary technical assistance to fishing families living along the coast.
“Some fishermen may not be able to share certain problems directly. There is no need to worry; I will obtain a confidential report. I will look into whether there are mafias and whether people are facing any difficulties. Overall, our objective is to ensure that trade and business are conducted fairly and that the fishing community develops,” he said.
Responding to questions from the media about the fact that dredging had not been carried out at the estuary for 35 years and that the situation had become dangerous, the Chief Minister said, “This issue has come to my notice. A boat is stationed there. Minister Khader has explained that this is because of the same issue.
“Some have suggested that the dredged material should be discharged into the sea. Others have suggested expanding the area further. It is said that the Central technical committee has to advise on this. We will obtain the necessary information and take appropriate action.
“I will decide whether a lease should be obtained for the dredging process or whether machinery and boats should be purchased to undertake the dredging. Earlier, the Government itself had a system for carrying out dredging. That system is not in place now,” he said.
Coastal Region is Not Just the State’s Wealth, but the Nation’s Wealth:
When asked whether the people of the region had expressed support for the Cabinet meeting held yesterday, he said, “The coastal region is not only the wealth of the State but also the wealth of the nation. We must protect it. We are thinking of a development roadmap for Mangaluru. Our government will give emphasis to the comprehensive development of the coastal region. We are considering introducing 3-4 new policies for this. Investors should be encouraged in the coastal region. Infrastructure should be provided to new investors. Good hotels should be constructed to accommodate them when they arrive. We will identify suitable land and allow construction under the PPP model within the legal framework,” he explained.
“We are thinking about the development of the coastal region. The Opposition is making disparaging remarks about our development tour. Leaders of the Opposition have said that the Chief Minister went to Mangaluru to eat fish.
“I stopped eating fish many years ago. They do not want development,” he said.
Tulu Language is the Pride of the People of the Region:
Asked about the declaration of Tulu as the second additional official language, he said, “The Tulu language is the pride of the people of this region. It was the expectation of the people here. Leaders of all parties wanted this. Therefore, our government held a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru for the first time and took the decision,” he said.
Gathering People’s Opinions on the Kasturirangan Issue:
Asked about his visits to various areas, including Theerthahalli, in connection with the Kasturirangan issue, he said, “A special session has been convened to discuss this issue. Before discussing it there, I am visiting these areas to gather the opinions of the people. After gathering their views, we will decide whether we need to take a firm stand against the Central Government’s notification. The lives and livelihoods of our people are important to us. Therefore, we will do whatever is possible within the legal framework,” he said.
When asked how the Government would arrange funds for Cabinet projects if there was no money for the guarantee schemes, he said, “We will keep our word. That is our strength,” he said.