Mangaluru : Minister for animal husbandry and fisheries Venkatrao Nadagouda heard problems faced by fishermen during his maiden visit to the old port on Tuesday.

Karnataka Purse-Seine Meenugarara Sangha and Mangalore Trawl Boat Meenugarara Sangha as well as DK Zilla Meenugarara Sahakari Sangha submited a Memorandums to the minister to ensure that work on third phase of Mangaluru fisheries harbour is expedited. Reminding him that the Rs 57 crore project, that started in 2010 is hanging fire, memorandum pointed that 1,500 mechanised and 500 country boats that operate from here are operating under extreme conditions. Even lack of basic facilities for stakeholders here is a pressing issue, the Sangha stated.

The cap on usage of 300 litres tax free diesel for mechanised boats with 350 HP engines fixed years ago should be revised to 500 litres in view of the increasing price of diesel. Lack of staff in the department of fisheries is hampering roll out of various welfare schemes for the fishermen, Mohan Bengre and Nithin Kumar, presidents of the Sangha said, while urging the minister to ensure adequate funds for functioning of the department.

Shobendra Sasihithlu, president of DK Zilla Meenugarara Sahakari Sangha in a 11-point charter of demands sought among other things free distribution of distress alert transmitters to fishermen venturing out to deep Sea. Nationalised banks should provide fisherwomen loans of up to ? 1 lakh for purchase of implements to market fish. Revenue land should be set aside and title deeds provided to fishermen selected under Matsyashraya scheme.

Diesel subsidy owed to fishermen will deposited to their bank accounts directly within a week. “I will take up the issue with officials concerned once I return to Bengaluru,” the minister said adding steps will be taken for release of the amount thereafter. The state government is committed to completing the third phase of the fisheries harbour project and permission will be accorded to the additional funds needed for the purpose. “We are awaiting the central share,” he added.