Construction of two new fishing harbours and expansion of two more are on the cards along coastal Karnataka.

The Budget proposes the construction of two new fisheries harbours in Ankola and Karwar taluks of Uttara Kannada district.

While presenting the agriculture budget for 2013-14, Chief Minister Jagadeesh Shettar said detailed reports would be prepared for construction of two new fishing harbours at Gabitwad Kheni in Ankola taluk and Majali in Karwar taluk of Uttara Kannada district.

Construction of fishing harbours is already in progress at a cost of Rs 159 crore at Mangalore, Honnavar, Malpe and Koderi, he said.

The traditional small fishing boats are finding it difficult to get space in the existing docks due to increase in the number of mechanised boats. Considering this, Bhatkala and Karwar fishing harbours will be expanded at a cost of Rs 5 crore each, he said.

Added to this, coastal protection walls will be constructed at a cost of Rs 231 crore at seven places along the coastal region, he said.

Shettar announced that Rs 2 crore will be provided to construct sheds for repairing nets used for sea fishing.

Stating that diesel is the main component of expenditure in the mechanized fishing, he said 3,500 mechanized boats of the state are getting tax-free diesel facility. During 2013-14, fishermen will get tax-free diesel facility for 1.30 lakh kilo litres.

He said that 1.14 lakh kilo litres of tax-free diesel has been supplied during the current year.

vinayak.aj@thehindu.co.in

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