Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar arrived at the Mangaluru fishing harbour early on Saturday, immersing himself in the daily operations and directly engaging with the local fishing community. Accompanied by Health Minister and district-in-charge U T Khader and local leaders, the Chief Minister began his inspection around 5 am, walking through the jetties and dock areas.
During his extensive tour, Mr. Shivakumar examined the day's catch and gathered detailed information on fishing activities, existing harbour facilities, and the specific difficulties faced by fishermen and fish traders. He also received briefings from officials regarding the harbour's functioning. A notable moment saw the Chief Minister personally handling a large peacock fish brought into the harbour.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shivakumar articulated his purpose: to gain a direct understanding of the realities for those involved in catching, selling, and trading fish. Representatives from the fishing community presented a series of critical issues, primarily focusing on upgrades to harbour infrastructure and various livelihood challenges. The Chief Minister assured them that the government would thoroughly review these submissions and commit to finding enduring solutions.
Significantly, Mr. Shivakumar expressed strong disapproval over reports of disrupted trading activities following his arrival. He promptly instructed the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and the Mangaluru Police Commissioner to submit a comprehensive report on the matter, vowing action against officials if routine harbour operations were unnecessarily halted due to security protocols.
This visit, following a state Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru the previous day where coastal development was a key agenda, underscored the government's broader vision. Discussions during the visit included proposals for a dedicated university focused on maritime studies, fishing culture, and the blue economy—defined as the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth and ecosystem health. Further plans involve expanding student capacity in maritime education programmes, introducing passenger and cargo water transport, including a sea metro project, to bolster coastal connectivity. Specific fishing infrastructure improvements mentioned included dredging the estuary mouth (Alve Bagilu) and resolving boat parking constraints. The Chief Minister also pledged to explore enhancing facilities for fisherwomen, providing specialized hospital testing, and making dedicated ambulances available.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Sahil Online