Kundapur: On a mission to address the concerns of fishermen, the Minister for Ports and Fisheries, Mankala Vaidya, visited the Kodi kanyana fishing harbor on Sunday. During his interaction with the media, the minister expressed the government’s determination to resolve the challenges faced by fishermen in a systematic manner.
Minister Vaidya acknowledged that sea erosion has become a significant problem, stretching from Kasargod to Karwar-Goa. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, he revealed that an expert committee had been appointed to devise a permanent solution. While addressing the immediate concerns, the committee would also explore viable long-term remedies. Should a temporary solution be necessary, it will be diligently reviewed and implemented.
The plight of fishermen in Kodi Kanyana, Hangarakatte, and Bengre has deeply saddened the minister. He stressed the urgency of addressing their challenges promptly. With this in mind, the fisheries and ports departments will work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive plan, including dredging initiatives, to alleviate the hardships faced by these communities.
However, Minister Vaidya highlighted that the state government’s funds alone might not be sufficient to address all the issues related to ports and fisheries effectively. Therefore, he emphasized the need for cooperation and support from the central government. The minister pledged to advocate for grants from the central government to bolster the efforts of the state in finding sustainable solutions for the fisheries sector.
During the visit, State Backward Classes Commission Chairman Jayaprakash Hegde, prominent Mogaveera leader Dr. G. Shankar, Anand C. Kunder, Fisheries and Ports Department Officer K. Swamy, Anjana Devi, Srinivasa Murthy Dias, Hangarakatte Port Development Committee Chairman Rajendra Suvarna, Kodi Kanyana Lakshmana Suvarna, and other dignitaries were present to discuss the pressing issues affecting the fishing communities.
