Speaking to the fishing community leaders during his visit to Old Port on Saturday, the Minister said that the negligent attitude of the NMPT authorities has taken the lives of six fishermen and the issue needs to be addressed. He said that the government would pass an order to the NMPT informing them to let the fishermen inside the port in case of emergency and not to show negligent behaviour in the name of security.

“NMPT is not the only body which is concerned of security, but are the fishermen too. It is not right on the part of NMPT to reject the plea of fishermen and put them at risk. Instead, the Port staff should let the people in danger inside Port and then carry out enquiry to know their whereabouts,” he insisted.

He announced the government compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the family members of the six victims of the boat tragedy and Rs 25,000 to the injured fishermen. 

Dredging after rain
Speaking about the dredging work to be taken up in Alive Bagilu and other region, he said that Rs 4 crore worth dredging proposal has got clearance from the State government and will get the Central government clearance soon. “The work would be started soon after the rainy season, perhaps in November. Dredging work at Hejamad Kodi has already started,” said Palemar, adding that plans are on to purchase new dredging machines to Mangalore port.
He said that absence of signal light in Alive Bagilu will be taken care of. The tender will be called soon. Having received several complaints against the Coast Guard staff inactiveness, he assured of taking stringent action in case such complaints are proved true.

Port expansion
Meanwhile, the Minister informed that the expansion work of the port (1100 meters) will be started at the earliest. “The tender process for Rs 57 crore has been finished and the work will commence soon.”

MLA Yogish Bhat was present.