Official nod has been given for granting Rs 2 crore for the desilting work at Hejmady Small Fisheries Port and the desilting works will begin soon, informed Fisheries Department Deputy Director Dr Jayaram.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the small fisheries port located at Hejmadi Kody in Hejmady Gram Panchayat on Wednesday, he said desilting work will be undertaken for a distance of 45 metres from the bridge to the estuary.

Technical experts have already been sought for port development works. As per expert advice, a proposal for Rs 87 crore for port development has already been sent to the Central government.

People’s representatives must be alert in this regard, Dr Jayaram said. Along with the Hejmady Port development, Mangalore Port has also received nod for a grant of Rs 1.85 crore for development works.

Moreover, development of ports in the coastal region is also under consideration, he informed. On the occasion, local fishermen explained the problems faced by them due to the disorderly ports.

They complained that the port which was inaugurated three years ago, everyone except the fishermen have received benefits.  Mr Gopal Naik, Ganapathi Bhat, Naranappa, Suresh of Port and Fisheries Department, Mulky Trawl Boat Union Vice-President Shridhar Mendon, Secretary Vijay Bangera, local fishermen Raju Karkera, Madhav Putran among others were present.