Udupi: Comprehensive development and modernisation of the Malpe all-weather fishing harbour will be accorded top priority, while steps will be taken to facilitate fishing activities for the local fishing community, said Minister for Muzrai, Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport K S Basavanthappa.
The minister made the statement after meeting office-bearers of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association at its office in Malpe on Tuesday. He heard the grievances and demands raised by representatives of the fishing community and assured them that efforts would be made to address their concerns in phases.
Modernisation of Malpe harbour
Basavanthappa said Malpe fishing harbour has earned a reputation as the second-largest fishing activity harbour in Asia and stressed the need to modernise and upgrade its infrastructure.
He said sincere efforts would also be made to strengthen the fisheries industry across all three coastal districts of Karnataka — Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada.
The minister said the state government was keen to obtain comprehensive information about the coastal region and introduce new initiatives aimed at promoting fisheries and tourism.
He pointed out that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has shown special interest in the development of the coastal region and has convened a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss issues concerning the coastal districts and examine development initiatives.
Tourism development to consider fishermen’s interests
Fishermen’s representatives raised concerns that tourism development along the coast could affect their traditional fishing activities.
Responding to the concern, Basavanthappa said tourism would be promoted by adopting appropriate norms while ensuring that the interests and aspirations of the fishing community were not affected.
He noted that lakhs of fishermen across the state have traditionally depended on fishing for their livelihood and said their concerns would have to be taken into account while planning coastal development.
The minister also referred to the housing assistance available to fishermen under the Matsyashraya scheme. At present, Rs 1.20 lakh is provided for construction of houses under the scheme. He said the amount was insufficient even to meet the foundation-related expenses of a house.
Basavanthappa said the issue of increasing the housing assistance would be discussed with the Chief Minister. He also said the government would examine the demand to increase the diesel subsidy limit for fishermen from 300 litres to 500 litres.
Fishermen seek benefits on par with agriculture sector
Office-bearers of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association urged the government to extend benefits to coastal fishermen similar to those available to farmers in North Karnataka.
Their demands included agricultural subsidies, compensation funds and support-price mechanisms for the fisheries sector.
Responding to the demands, Basavanthappa said the matter would be discussed at the government level and appropriate measures would be considered.
He assured the fishermen that their problems would be addressed in phases and said steps would be taken to provide greater impetus to the fisheries sector.
Yashpal Suvarna seeks sea ambulance
Udupi MLA Yashpal A Suvarna said coastal fishermen risk their lives while carrying out fishing activities at sea.
He said the Malpe Fishermen’s Association has been raising the voice of fishermen from Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts, which together have a coastline of around 330 km.
Suvarna said fishing makes a significant contribution to the coastal economy and the wider economic activity of the region. He called for better schemes and increased financial assistance to strengthen the fisheries sector in coastal Karnataka.
He also highlighted difficulties faced by fishermen because of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions. According to him, such restrictions have prevented some fishermen from accessing various financial assistance schemes.
Suvarna urged the government to extend benefits available to the agriculture sector on an equal basis to the fisheries sector.
He also requested the establishment of a sea ambulance service in the Malpe area to provide emergency assistance to fishermen and help protect their health and lives during fishing activities.
In addition, he sought modernisation and upgradation of existing fisheries schools in the region.
Memorandum submitted to minister
The Malpe Fishermen’s Association submitted a memorandum to Basavanthappa seeking action on various demands concerning the development of the Malpe fishing harbour and the welfare of fishermen.
The demands covered harbour modernisation, financial assistance, welfare measures, fuel subsidy, housing support and other issues affecting the fishing community.
The minister said the government would examine the issues raised by the association and work towards addressing the concerns in a phased manner.
Coastal Development Board chairman M A Gafoor, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee chairman Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, leader Prasadray Kanchan, office-bearers of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association and others were present.