‘Hi-tech fish park to come up in Mangaluru’

K C Narayana Gowda, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports, Planning, Programme Monitoring, Statistics Department, said that a hi-tech fish park will be set up in Mangaluru for the production of fish products.

Speaking after chairing a review meeting, he said that there is a need to ensure that fish are not spoiled using cold storage facilities. Using the technology, fish chips and pickles need to be prepared.

A land near Fisheries College has been identified for the purpose.

The minister said that all the pending works in the department should be completed by March-end.

Funds unutilised

“It has come to my notice during my visit to various districts that funds under MPLAD and MLALAD have remained unutilised. I have directed the officials to accelerate the works. Works worth Rs 26 crore are pending for completion in Dakshina Kannada district.”

Stating that a girls' sports hostel near Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru has been sanctioned, the minister said that in the interest of the safety of female students, rooms with attached toilets should be constructed.

Rs 1.50 crore sanctioned

The department is ready to release additional funds. Already Rs 1.50 crore has been sanctioned for the purpose. “We have sought additional funds under 'Khelo India Khelo' scheme from the Centre,” he said.

He said sports talents will be supported under the 'Khelo India' concept of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Efforts will be made to provide employment to those who have performed exceptionally well in sports. “I will hold a discussion with the Chief Minister in this regard.”