The fisheries harbour in Mangaluru is set to undergo a third phase of development, with tenders for the work expected to be floated by the end of December. The Karnataka state cabinet has approved Rs 49 crore for the project, which will include the construction of a new auction area, multilevel storage facilities, and sewage and effluent treatment plants.
District-in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the need for a master plan for the development of the fisheries port, to ensure that future development works are well-coordinated. He also directed the contractor responsible for the project to ensure that the harbour is kept clean.
Dredging work at the harbour is currently underway at a cost of Rs 3.9 crore. An additional Rs 29 crore will be spent on dredging the estuary, which will increase the depth from four metres to seven metres. This will allow larger vessels to dock at the harbour.
The first and second phases of the fisheries harbour development project were approved by the central government at a cost of Rs 37.5 crore. These phases included the reconstruction of the collapsed jetty and the development of a new auction area.
Trawl boat Meenugarara Sangha President Chethan Bengre has called for the establishment of a fire station and a sea ambulance at the fisheries harbour. He also noted that the lack of cleanliness at the harbour is deterring exporters from buying fish, resulting in lower prices for fishermen.
The development of the fisheries harbour is expected to boost the fishing industry in Mangaluru and provide better facilities for fishermen. The project will also create new employment opportunities in the region.