A comprehensive development plan of Rs 37.15 crore for Malpe fishery harbour has been designed. The work is likely to be completed within three years.

Speaking to City Herald MLA Raghupathy Bhat informed that the entire project has been taken up under Centre and State partnership.

The new project comprising three phases of  development work is being taken up simultaneously with the renovation works of the existing port. Repair of the jetties and quays, existing fish landing and auction halls, damaged northern retaining wall, internal roads, dismantling the present dilapidated auction hall and rest shed come under the project comprising the restoration works  of the old infrastructure that already exist in the dock.

A sum of Rs 32.315 crore has been earmarked for the purpose. The comprehensive plan for the new infrastructure coming up at the cost of Rs 339.024 crore is exclusively furnished to wrap up the flaws existing in the present harbour that created inconveniences to the fishing trade.

Dredging work inside the idle-berthing basin at Baputhota area and outside the idle-berthing basin at Udyavara river will be taken up to -3.0 m level. Reclamation and levelling works with dredged and borrowed material, constructions of RCC cantilever and anchored diaphragm wall in Baputhota area and low level RCC diaphragm wall for small boats for the existing harbour, surfacing of double lane asphalt roads, concrete road, fish loading area, vehicle parking area are taken up in the initial phase.

Simultaneously construction works of net mending sheds, fishermen rest sheds, boat repair shops, compound wall, public toilet blocks, radio communication centre and security guard house will be taken up.

Bhat said plans are also envisaged to take up projects supporting fresh water storage, supply and distribution with water treatment plants, ground water sumps, pump house, overhead tank, sea water supply and distribution with ground water sump, drainage and sewage including effluent treatment plants, toxic waste reception sheds, spent oil reception sheds, bilge oil separators, storm water drains and cross water drainage works, he said. Greenery and landscaping is given additional prominence in the 10 acre land. Fire extinguisher, fire hydrant, additional subsoil investigations, field data collection instrument, environmental impact assessment mitigation measures and monitoring all will be a part of the inclusive diagram of the structures coming up in the 10 acre land.

Malpe being one of the illustrious harbours is all set to obtain a facelift lavishly designed for trade purpose.