Urgent measures to be taken for coastal protection: Minister Mankala Vaidya

Pudubidri: Minister of Ports and Fisheries Mankala Vaidya announced the release of Rs 15 crore for temporary measures to prevent coastal erosion in three coastal districts, with Rs 5 crore allocated to each district. The work related to the safety of the fishing road will commence from tomorrow.

During his visit to the sea erosion-affected areas of Nadipatna in Pudubidri on July 27, Minister Vaidya stated that a proposal for Rs 480 crore for permanent measures had been sent to the central government a year ago. A sum of Rs 1 crore will be allocated for temporary works in Pudubidri, he said.

The minister inspected the concrete access road to the internationally recognized Blue Flag Beach in Pudubidri, where sand had eroded the base, and examined the fishing shed of the Maheshwari Fund.

Supporting Work for Fisheries University: Mankal Vaidya

Mangaluru: Mankala Vaidya said that the government was keen on upgrading the Fisheries College in Mangaluru into a Fisheries University.

Inaugurating the National Fishermen’s Day and Big Fish: 2.0 workshop at the Fisheries College Auditorium in Mangaluru on Saturday, Minister Vaidya noted that the state’s first Fisheries College would be transformed into a university, with 65 acres of land available.

The government has increased the diesel provision for fishermen from 1.5 lakh liters to 2 lakh liters and is addressing the kerosene shortage. A seafood park will be established in Byndoor to prioritize fish product value addition, he said.

The Fishermen’s Relief Fund has addressed four years of outstanding relief. Compensation of Rs 8 lakh is provided within 24 hours to the families of fishermen who lose their lives in boat accidents, and Rs 4 lakh, including medical expenses, for fishermen who lose limbs and cannot continue fishing, said Minister Vaidya.

MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath presided over the event, with MLA Dr. Y. Bharat Shetty, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur, Corporator Bharat Kumar, and others in attendance. Various facilities were distributed to fishermen.