The Karnataka Government will soon initiate steps to establish a maritime board in the State, according to the Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa.

Speaking at the national fishermen conference of BJP's fishermen cell here on Friday, he said that a meeting of the elected representatives of the coastal region would be convened soon to discuss this matter.

However, he did not give timeframe for convening the meeting.

It may be mentioned here that there was a mention about the establishment of a maritime board in Karnataka in the last three State budgets.

Dredging activities

He said that the State Government is planning to buy a dredger to carry out dredging activities at minor ports in the State.

Added to this, the Government has earmarked Rs 100 crore for the development of minor ports in the State.

Fisheries harbour

The State Government will also take up the third stage development of fisheries harbours at Old Mangalore at a cost of Rs 57 crore and at Malpe at a cost of Rs 37 crore, he said.

Mr Yeddyurappa said that fish production in Karnataka, which was at 2.9 lakh tonnes (lt) in 2007-08, increased to 4.9 lt in 2010-11.

Fishing policy

Stressing the need for a comprehensive fishing policy at the national level, Mr Prakash Malgave, Convenor of National Fishermen Cell of the BJP, said that the two-day conference at Mangalore will come out with a charter of demands in this regard.

Mr Yeddyurappa said the State will initiate sincere steps for the implementation of the recommendations of the Mangalore conference.

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