Udupi: Fishermen at the Hejmadi port are now anticipating a bright future for them and their children.
After 50 years of campaigning, the work on the Hejmadi port had begun, after both the Centre and the State governments have given approval for the project. The all-weather port being planned on 70 acres of land will be constructed at a total cost of Rs 180.84 crore. The first phase of work is estimated to cost over Rs 132 crore.
“Fishermen from Mangaluru and Malpe ports are left stranded in deep-sea during sudden storms with nowhere to go. They have to face many hardships,” said fisherman Vijay Bangera, who has been in the forefront of the campaign, demanding a port in Hejmadi. When the sea turned rough, the fishermen have no option but to return to Mangaluru or Udupi,” he said.
It was then Mulki-Mudbidri MLA late Somappa Suvarna, who felt the acute need of an all-weather port in Hejmadi, located between Mangaluru and Udupi district. The government approved the construction of a jetty, and a port was built at a total cost of Rs 99 crore during the tenures of the then Fisheries ministers Jayaprakash Hegde and Vasanth Salian.
The then Chief Minister Veerappa Moily had inaugurated the port. Soon, the port was rendered dysfunctional due to increased levels of silt, which hindered the movement of fishing boats. Bangera told DH that there were many fishing boats in the area. But now, a majority of fishermen have sold their boats.
A few fishermen from the area had forged partnerships with fishermen in Udupi and Mangaluru, to making fishing viable. Earlier, there were 25 Purse Seines and 67 traditional boats. “The Hejmadi port will be beneficial not just for fishermen from Kaup to Suratkal, but local fishermen will also benefit by launching their own fishing businesses,” Bangera said.
The construction of breakwater is underway and the acquisition of pending 12.2 acres of land, owned by private entities, is nearing completion. “The next step is to start building a sprawling market,” said Port and Fisheries department assistant executive engineer (AEE) Uday Kumar.
Fisherman Sadashiv Kotian attributes the delay in the construction of boat due to the Forest department’s failure to hand over the land. The ongoing work is likely to pick pace from January 15 and is expected to be completed in early 2024. “The fishing port will include a sophisticated jetty, an auction hall, boat repair shed and work shed,” said Uday Kumar.
Chennai-based Sripathy Associates has been awarded with the contract to build the port. Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon has promised to discuss the project with Udupi deputy commissioner and expedite the process of felling trees. “The Hejmadi port will be ready by the end of 2023,” he said.