Udupi: The Karnataka government will submit a ₹850 crore proposal to the Union government for the comprehensive development of Malpe fishing harbour, aiming to ensure its long-term growth, said Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport Mankal S. Vaidya on Wednesday.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for a ₹12.52 crore modernisation project at the harbour under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Mr. Vaidya added that if the Union government does not approve the proposal, the State government will finance the project independently.

CRZ norms pose challenges to coastal development

Mr. Vaidya also highlighted that Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules have hindered coastal development projects in Karnataka. He said projects worth ₹2,034 crore could not be taken up due to CRZ-related restrictions. “The State requires CRZ norms similar to those of other States, where regulations do not impede coastal development,” he noted.

Support from political leaders

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said that the PMMSY has revitalised the fisheries sector and urged the State government to prioritise dredging of estuaries and improvement of fisheries jetties to ensure year-round navigability and safety of vessels.

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna stated that the modernisation project would directly benefit about 10,000 fishers and indirectly assist 40,000 families involved in the fishing industry.

₹12.52 crore modernisation project details

According to officials, the project will focus on:

  • Sanitation and water supply improvements at the harbour.
  • Upgrading fish-handling capacity and port security.
  • Installation of a 600 KLD effluent treatment plant, a 2,450-metre concrete drainage line, a 60,000-litre sump tank, a 1,25,000-litre overhead water tank, and a reverse osmosis plant.
  • A fish-handling facility with a 2.5 MT-per-hour conveyor system.
  • Concreting the work area surface and constructing a security guard house with CCTV surveillance at critical points.

Officials said the modernisation will strengthen quality control at the fish landing area, reduce spoilage, and improve value realisation for fishers. Reliable water supply and efficient handling are expected to speed up auctions and vessel turnaround times, while enhanced wastewater management will tackle odour and contamination issues.