On Tuesday, a delegation of Malpe fishermen, led by Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, met with Karnataka’s Minister for Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport, Mankal Vaidya, to discuss ongoing challenges at the Malpe fishing port. The meeting focused on addressing the fishermen’s pressing concerns and improving the conditions of the local fishing industry.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna highlighted several key issues, including the need for land allocation to the Malpe Women Fishermen’s Association for their dry fish trade, the necessity of regular dredging at the port to remove silt, and efforts to streamline insurance procedures for fishermen injured in accidents. Additionally, he called for the construction of a new jetty to ease congestion from both traditional and mechanized boats and the implementation of a unified fisheries policy to facilitate smoother operations across neighboring states like Goa, Maharashtra, and Kerala. He also suggested reserving land near Tebma Shipyard for fisheries-related activities to support the development of the harbor.
Dayanand Suvarna, President of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association, echoed these concerns, reinforcing the need for immediate action.
Minister Vaidya responded positively, assuring that the issues would be prioritized. He announced plans to visit Malpe Harbor soon to assess the situation and initiate necessary steps for fishermen-friendly reforms.
The meeting was attended by a wide array of local representatives from various fishermen’s associations, including leaders from the Mechanized Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, Pursene Boat Fishermen’s Association, and Women Fishermen’s Association, all of whom voiced their support for the initiatives discussed.
Read also