Shivakumar orders probe into halt of fish trade at Mangaluru harbour

MANGALURU, Sept 19: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner to submit a report on the suspension of trading activities at the Mangaluru fishing harbour, after he found the operations halted during an early-morning surprise visit.

Shivakumar visited the harbour around 6 am and travelled by boat to inspect the facilities. He interacted with fishermen, traders and officials and reviewed issues related to infrastructure, boat berthing facilities and dredging requirements.

“I have directed the DC and commissioner to submit a report on why harbour activities were brought to a standstill. If officials are responsible, I will suspend them. If this was done to hide irregularities, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.

Questioning why fish trading had been stopped, the Chief Minister directed officials to immediately resume the activity, stating that any disruption would adversely affect the livelihoods of fishermen and traders.

Fishermen representatives Chetan Bengre and Mohan Bengre told Shivakumar that berthing facilities were currently available for around 200 boats and sought additional docks near the confluence of the Phalguni and Nethravathi rivers with the Arabian Sea. They also highlighted the need for dredging, noting that the area had not been dredged for nearly 25 years.

Officials said sand accumulation along the harbour needed to be cleared and channel-marking buoys installed to ensure the safe movement of fishing boats.

Shivakumar directed officials to take necessary measures and said the problems faced by small fishermen in berthing their boats would be discussed with the district in-charge minister and other officials.

He also warned of action against illegal structures and violations at the harbour. “Roads have been blocked and illegal compounds have been put up here. Whoever has violated the law, irrespective of how influential or powerful they are, must face action,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the government would examine documents if any land was being claimed as private property and take appropriate action within the legal framework.

Describing fishermen as a large community and the coastal economy as an important economic centre, Shivakumar said the government planned to establish a separate university for the fishing community and increase the number of seats from around 40-50 to 200. He also highlighted plans concerning education, sea metro and the blue economy.

He said the government had already announced development works worth Rs 32,000 crore, including Rs 16,000 crore for basic infrastructure such as roads and water facilities in rural areas.

“We will obtain a comprehensive report on where trading activities are taking place in Mangaluru and Karwar and formulate a plan to provide technical support to fishing families,” he said.

Shivakumar said confidential reports could also be sought, if necessary, to ascertain whether fishermen and traders were facing pressure or whether any organised groups were operating in the sector.

“Trade and business must be conducted fairly and the fishermen’s community must develop. That is our goal,” he said.

On the long-pending dredging at the estuary, Shivakumar said the government would examine whether the work should be undertaken through leasing or by purchasing machinery and boats. The Centre’s technical committee would also be consulted, he added.

Responding to Leader of Opposition R Ashoka’s criticism that he had visited Mangaluru to eat fish, Shivakumar said, “Ashoka seems to have a desire to eat fish. Let us send fish from Mangaluru and fulfil his wish.”

He said he had stopped eating fish many years ago and accused the Opposition of focusing on political comments rather than coastal development.

On the government’s decision to recognise Tulu as a second additional official language in the region, Shivakumar said Tulu was a matter of pride for coastal people and that the decision reflected a long-standing demand supported by leaders across political parties.

Regarding the Kasturirangan report, he said the government was collecting the views of people in affected areas ahead of the special session of the Legislature.

“We will decide whether to take a tough stand against the Centre’s notification after hearing the views of our people. Their livelihood is important to us and we will do whatever is possible within the legal framework,” he said.

Asked how the government would finance guarantee schemes alongside newly announced Cabinet projects, Shivakumar said, “We will keep our word. That is our strength.”