Doubts over feasibility of floating harbour project off Mangalore.

Participants in a meeting to discuss the establishment of a floating harbour off Mangalore coast have expressed doubts over the feasibility of the project.

Presenting the idea to a group of stakeholders in Mangalore recently, BN Karkera, visiting professor at the Surathkal-based National Institute of Technology, said there is a need to conduct a conference to discuss the establishment of a floating harbour off Mangalore coast. He said that such a harbour should accommodate around 1,000 fishing vessels and should support other commercial and research activities.

Participating in the meeting, Sivakumar Magada, professor at College of Fisheries in Mangalore, wanted to know if there was any social issue that necessitates the establishment of a floating harbour.

Concurring with Magada’s views, PC Parida, Chairman of New Mangalore Port Trust, wanted to know the reason for such a project.

Parida said he had recently visited Hangarkatta in Udupi district following a representation by the Udupi MP seeking the establishment of a port there. Since there was no adequate land available, he said Hangarkatta, however, could be developed as a fisheries harbour with an investment of around Rs. 200 crore. Such a harbour at Hangarkatta could accommodate around 1,000 fishing vessels, he said.

Loknath Boloor, fishermen leader from Mangalore, said the feasibility of a floating harbour should be thought of before planning anything. He suggested that the government strengthen the infrastructure at the existing harbours.

Yatish Baikampady, Chief Executive Officer of Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project, sought more details on the floating harbour project.

Parida suggested that a core committee be formed to look into the issue before planning a conference on this topic. AB Ibrahim, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district, presided over the meeting.


HBL