Ex-MLA JR Lobo questions Central Government on Stage 3 Jetty work

Mangaluru: Former MLA J R Lobo today lashed out at the central government for delaying the release of grants towards the development of stage III of Mangaluru fishing harbour.

Addressing the media here, Lobo said, “I came across an article in a newsdaily stating that, due to the rift created between Central and State government, the development of stage III of Mangaluru fishing harbour. There is no rift, but it is the central government that is delaying the release of funds for the extension project.

The project was supposed to be completed by 2015, but due to lack of support from the central government, it was not possible to complete it on time. The estimated cost of this project was Rs 57.60 crore and the central government’s share was Rs 43.20 crore, and that of the state government Rs 14.40 crore. Both the then state and central governements sanctioned the funds in 2010.

“However, a case was later filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), after which the project was stopped. In 2017, the NGT disposed off the case and the revised estimated cost was put at Rs 98.26 crore. Prior to the case, Rs 51.89 crore had already been spent on this project, with the state government giving a share of Rs 38.89 crore and the central government pitching in only Rs 13 crore.

“Out of the central government’s share of Rs 43.20 crore, only Rs 13 crore has been released,” he said.

Congress leaders Kallige Tharnath Shetty, former mayor Mahabala Maarla, corporator Sabitha Misquith and others were present.