Karnataka Coastal Development Authority (CDA) chairman Mattar Rathnakar Hegde said that the CDA will conduct a study of the status of fish markets in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada.
He told reporters on Wednesday, that the CDA had already constructed several fish markets in the past. The CDA will study the condition of markets, in order to construct additional markets,as many are in a poor condition. Further, the authority will also conduct a study on the damaged footbridges in interior villages in these three coastal districts, so that work can be taken up on a priority, for the benefit of schoolchildren, who cross these small rivulets and streams, he said.
Hegde said that during 2019-20, 229 works were taken up, 151 works have been completed and 78 are in progress. The government had earmarked Rs 35 crore in its budget to the authority, during the year. “The CDA will seek an additional Rs 10 crore from the government for various works. During the year, 207 works worth Rs 2,433.5 lakh will be taken up. This includes 104 roads and 12 footbridges. As many as four hanging bridges will be constructed at Mulki taluk, across the Shambhavi River, at Tenginagundi in Shirali in Bhatkal, at Bettampady in Puttur and at Palthadi, across the Gauri Rivulet,” he added.
The Centre has appointed CDA as the nodal agency, for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Mastya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at Sasihithlu, at an estimated cost of Rs 7.5 crore. The CDA is mulling over setting up a mastya grama in the area, for promoting fishing, sale, storing and other activities associated with the fishing industry. However, the deputy commissioner has earmarked the said land for Jungle Lodges Resorts, and talks are being held with the district administration, for earmarking the land to the CDA. “If we fail to get the land at Sasihithlu, then we will have to look for alternative land at Malpe or Honnavara,” Hegde said.
The CDA is also in talks with CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), for conducting tests on the quality of seawater in the three coastal districts of Karnataka. An action plan fir Rs 80.2 lakh has been prepared and sent to the government for approval. Seawater will be collected from 32 locations in the three coastal districts, for testing its quality.