Malpe port gets green signal for phase III

DHNS
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 06 August 2010: The State Environmental Science and Environmental Board has given green signal for the phase III extension work of Malpe port. The Port Board with the objective to develop the port has already produced the project plans and ports blueprint to the Central Government seeking its permission. The project with a budget of Rs 37 crore receives 75 per cent of the total budget from the Central Government and obtains 25 per cent of funds from the State Government.

 

It has been learnt that Mangalore and Honnavar ports are in the waiting list for the Central Government’s approval. With the Environmental Board agreeing for the phase III development of the Malpe port in Baputhota, the Port Department has informed that the tender procedures will begin with the help of the State Government once the formal consent is given by the Central Government.

 

Demand for the phase III

 

There has been several complaints about the existing Malpe port as it is congested. There was a demand to establish a new port at Baputhota. Several discussions in this regard have been taken place in the administrative levels as well as among the fishing community leaders.

 

Malpe being one of the major ports in the State functions actively throughout the year. Fishing takes place in thousands of boats including traditional boats, trawls and purse seine in all the seasons. It is a hub of business where the transaction takes place in crores. But in the present situation, smooth functioning of the fishing business is hindered as the space provided is too small to manage all the works.

 

In fact, there is shortage of space to anchor the boats in a systematic way. Fishing community leaders opine that there is an urgent need to construct a new port in Baputhota. In spite of the construction of phase I and phase II ports in Malpe, the Department has recognised the need to expand the port for widening the fishery business.

 

Private firms to get works

 

Environmental Minister J Krishna Palemar during his visit to Malpe port in the month of June had stated that the State government receives no profit from the existing ports. So the 10 ports of the State will be allotted to private firms through Marine Board under Public Private Partnership. Currently, the government receives a profit of Rs 24-28 crores from the ports across the State whereas the profit rate would increase up to Rs 300 crores if the ports are handed over to private firms, he had informed.

 

In the first phase, Karavar port will be allotted to the private firms followed by Thadadi and Belekeri ports. Rest of the ports including Malpe, Hangarakatte and Gangolli will be handed over to private companies in the later phases, he had said. However, it would be of a great joy to the fishermen if the ports in the coastal region see the light of development.