Having our State Chief minister Mr. Siddaramaiah announced a huge budget of ₹3,000 crore for this year for the fisheries sector has been the best thing for our state. This move will make the fishing bigger and better, the main benefit being the welfare of fisherman will improve. The all year harboring ports plan for Uttara Kannada district, especially Keni and Pavinakurve was once again revealed, expecting a ₹20,000 cr. investment all along the coast. Moreover, KSRTC launched the state’s first sea ambulance costing ₹7 crore, which will help emergency medical response to be facilitated along the Karnataka coast.
The Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah announced during the event that the government would double the seasonal fishing ban compensation for fishermen under scheme Matsya Asha Kiran Scheme which during earlier used to ₹1,500 but now will be ₹3,000. Also planned are projects like offering help in modernising the fish seed production centres; establishing a fisheries research centre at Manki/Kasarkod in Honnavar taluk; and developing aqua parks and fishing harbours at the best strategic locations.
In an attempt to create conducive conditions for investment, Karnataka expects to prepare the Karnataka Inland Waterways and Water Transport Development Policy. The anchoring projects, like a deep-sea and all-weather port at Keni and a mega port at Pavinakurwe, among others, are acquired indirectly through the public-private partnership (PPP). Sagar Mela is also moving ahead and 26 works costed Rs.1017 crores in total with state contributing Rs. 530 crore to the projects.
With these measures, the state is proving that its interests of the entire coastal line are taken care of and leading to an added growth in fisheries and the marine trade Being lean on the available financial resources, the state formulates a policy framework and projects which ensure a decent living for coastal communities and economic development.
