The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka move to set up maritime board welcomed

Mangalore, July 18 The maritime activity along the 300-km long Karnataka coast is all set to get a boost, if the announcement of the Karnataka Government on the establishment of a maritime board is any indication.

While presenting the Budget on Thursday, the Chief Minister, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa, said that the State will establish Karnataka Maritime Board.

‘A boost’

Representatives of the maritime sector told Business Line that they welcomed the move as it will boost maritime sector in the State.

Capt J.P. Menezes, former President of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and a marine surveyor, said that establishment and implementation of the board will bring Karnataka on par with other maritime States.

“This is the best thing that could have happened to the Karnataka maritime constituency,” he said.

Mr P. Tamilvanan, Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Trust, said that establishment of such a board will help boost the maritime activity in the State.

Mr Shekar Pujari, President of the Association of New Mangalore Port Stevedores, said that such a board will create more job opportunities. Minor ports in the State will get a boost, and the trade will see further improvement. Mr K. Narasimha Prabhu, KCCI, President, said that the establishment of the Karnataka Maritime Board is one of the oldest demands of the KCCI.

The proposal in the State Budget is a welcome move in this matter, he said.

It is to be noted here that the Karnataka maritime constituency consists of one major port and 10 minor ports. New Mangalore Port is the only major port of the State. The 300-km long Karnataka coast line consists of minor ports such as Karwar, Belekeri, Tadri, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Hangarkatta, Malpe, Padubidri and Old Mangalore.

Other proposals

Apart from proposing the establishment of Karnataka Maritime Board, Mr Yeddyurappa also proposed to develop Karwar port on a public-private partnership basis.

He also made a provision of Rs 10 crore for maintenance of various other ports in the State.

The Budget also proposed the development of Malpe fisheries harbour at a cost of Rs 12 crore, and decided to take up dredging in other fishing harbours at a cost of Rs 5 crore.

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