Mangaluru Sep 19 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday visited the Mangaluru fishing harbour, inspected operations and interacted with fishermen, fish sellers and trade association representatives.
Shivakumar, accompanied by Health Minister and district-in-charge U T Khader, local leaders and representatives of the Dakshina Kannada Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Association, visited the harbour around 5 am and walked through the jetties and dock areas.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, Shivakumar said he had come to understand the ground realities faced by those involved in catching, selling and trading fish.
Separately, the CM took exception to the reported disruption of normal trading activities following his arrival at the harbour. Shivakumar’s visit came a day after the state Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, at which several decisions and proposals concerning coastal development were discussed. The government has proposed passenger and cargo water transport, including a sea metro project, to strengthen coastal connectivity.
He directed the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and Mangaluru Police Commissioner to submit a report on the matter and said action would be taken against officials if it was found that routine harbour operations had been unnecessarily stopped due to security arrangements.
Shivakumar said the government would examine the demands and work towards finding permanent solutions. The government would look into improving facilities for fisherwomen, providing specialised hospital testing facilities and making dedicated ambulances available, he said.
