Exclusive policy to conserve marine culture to be taken up.

Mangalore Today News Network

Dec 23, 2016: Speaking after laying foundation stone for the extension work of breakwater at Gangolli fishing harbour at a cost of Rs 102.11 crore; Minister for Sports and Fisheries Pramod Madhwaraj said a separate policy to conserve marine culture at sea will be formulated soon.  The minister said it is essential to take measures to conserve the marine treasure besides looking into the interest of the fishermen and the development of the ports. Hence, a separate fishing policy will be formulated with an emphasis on conservation of marine species.

Madhwaraj said the policy will focus on preventing fish drought in the sea, simultaneously looking into the possibilities of developing enormous marine treasure. Bengaluru will host a summit involving ministers for fisheries and officials from all the states in the country shortly, he said.

Preserving the marine treasure is the responsibility of all. The conservation of marine species also offers livelihood to fishermen. Hence, it is essential to formulate integrated fishing policy to develop fishing trade. The state government is addressing the problems of fishermen on priority, he said. Elaborating on the project leading to the extension of the breakwaters, the minister said Rs 4 crore will be released within a week to take up the work in a phased manner. Madikallu port will also be developed and a new planning report will be placed before the Cabinet, he said.

Later, laying foundation stone to extension of the breakwater at Koderi bunder to be built at a cost of Rs 33 crore, he announced that 190 houses will be provided under Matsyashraya Yojane in Byndoor. Kerosene will be available to beneficiaries. Responding to a demand on estuary dredging, he said he will hold talks with the officials. Byndoor MLA Gopal Poojary said tender work is under way for the fisheries road at Koderi.

Altogether, the construction work worth Rs 300 crore has been allotted to Byndoor Assembly constituency. MP Oscar Fernandes has selected Dombe village for Adarsh Gram Yojana under MP funds. The project aims at converting sea water into drinking water, which will be supplied in rural areas. Besides Dombe, the adjacent villages like Kalihitlu and Alavegadde will also be developed in a phased manner, he said. Foundation stone was also laid to the jetty construction at a cost of Rs 280 lakh at Alavegadde in Shiroor.