CM DK Shivakumar holds a fish at the fishing port, Bunder (Old Port) in Mangaluru on Saturday
Mangaluru: Fishing came to a halt just as Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived at Mangaluru’s Bunder fisheries harbour early Saturday, prompting him to order an inquiry and direct that officials found responsible be suspended.
Reacting to Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka’s criticism, Shivakumar said opposition parties were ridiculing the govt’s coastal development tour. “Ashoka has said the chief minister visited Mangaluru to eat fish. “It seems the Leader of the Opposition wants to eat fish. We can send him fish from Mangaluru and fulfil his desire,” he retorted. I gave up eating fish many years ago,” he added.
Fishermen representatives Chethan Bengre and Mohan Bengre said the harbour had docking facilities for around 200 boats and suggested additional docks at Triveni Sangama, where the Phalguni and Netravati rivers meet the Arabian Sea.
Shivakumar, who reached the harbour around 6am, said he had not sought security while hearing fishermen’s grievances. I have ordered an inquiry and instructed that those responsible be suspended immediately,” he said. “We will obtain a comprehensive report on business operations in Mangaluru and Karwar and formulate a plan to provide technical assistance to fishing families living along the coast,” he said. “Business and trade must be conducted legally and in a fair manner,” he said. Shivakumar said minister U T Khader had explained the difficulties involved. others had proposed expanding the area, he said While some had suggested releasing the silt into the sea.
“When I arrived, officials stopped all fishing activities. Shivakumar inspected the harbour and took a boat ride to assess development works and future requirements.