Udupi: Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna has directed officials to give top priority to the maintenance and development of the Malpe fishing harbour, warning that official negligence should not be allowed to affect one of Karnataka’s key fisheries hubs. Chairing a review meeting with officials from various departments and representatives of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association, the MLA expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the harbour and called for immediate action to address long-pending issues.
The meeting, held at the Malpe Fishermen’s Association hall, reviewed the harbour’s maintenance, infrastructure requirements and development plans ahead of the upcoming fishing season.
MLA raises concern over harbour maintenance
Suvarna said he had received numerous complaints from fishermen regarding the poor condition of the harbour and noted that the issues had also been highlighted in media reports.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the alleged neglect in maintenance, he cautioned officials of the Fisheries and Port Departments to discharge their responsibilities with greater seriousness and ensure that the harbour remains functional and safe for the fishing community.
He stressed that the maintenance of the harbour is crucial for the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen who depend on the facility.
Delay in maintenance contract criticised
The MLA pointed out that the existing maintenance contract had already expired but a fresh tender had not yet been floated.
He also observed that several basic works directed during earlier meetings remain incomplete.
According to Suvarna, essential services such as regular cleanliness, adequate street lighting and the installation of quality CCTV cameras for security have not been provided despite repeated instructions.
He directed the concerned departments to expedite these works and improve facilities at the harbour without further delay.
Fishermen oppose land allotment
Representatives of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association strongly objected to the alleged allotment of Port Department land to private individuals for non-fisheries purposes without following the prescribed tender process.
The association reminded officials that an earlier meeting had resolved that land belonging to the Port Department should be allotted exclusively for fisheries-related activities.
Fishermen warned that they would intensify their agitation if the issue was not resolved and if harbour land continued to be used for purposes unrelated to the fishing sector.
New entrance gate to be completed before fishing season
Reviewing infrastructure projects linked to the harbour, Suvarna referred to the ongoing National Highway project connecting Malpe port.
He instructed officials to immediately finalise the design of the new entrance gate proposed to be constructed by the Port Department and ensure that the work is completed before the commencement of the fishing season.
The MLA also directed officials to clear buildings located on Port Department land that have already been identified for the highway project so that road construction can progress without delays.
Unused toilet to be handed over for maintenance
Suvarna also reviewed civic infrastructure at the harbour and expressed concern that the toilet constructed by the Fisheries Department at Baputhota remained unused because of poor maintenance.
He instructed officials to hand over the management of the facility to a local cooperative institution in consultation with the Malpe Fishermen’s Association.
The objective, he said, is to ensure proper maintenance and make the toilet available for public use at the earliest.
Focus on emergency preparedness and coastal protection
The MLA reviewed the preparedness of the Malpe Fire and Emergency Services to respond to emergencies at the harbour.
He sought details regarding the availability of fire-fighting vehicles and emergency equipment and instructed officials to ensure adequate preparedness for any emergencies that may arise.
Suvarna also directed the concerned departments to immediately begin coastal erosion protection works in erosion-prone areas of Malpe, Thottam and Gujjarabettu to safeguard coastal infrastructure and nearby communities.
Awareness on fisheries welfare schemes
During the meeting, Suvarna instructed the Fisheries Department to give greater importance to creating awareness among fishermen about the benefits available under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and other welfare schemes introduced by the Central and State governments.
He said better awareness would enable more fishermen to access government assistance and improve the sustainability and productivity of the fisheries sector.
The meeting was attended by Malpe Fishermen’s Association president Narayan Karkera, immediate past president Dayananda Suvarna, secretary Jagannath Kadekar, Fisheries Department Joint Director Kumaraswamy, departmental official Savita Khadri, officials from various departments, office-bearers of the fishermen’s association and fishermen leaders.