Mangaluru, Sept 19: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday ordered an inquiry into the reported suspension of fishing and trading activities at the Mangaluru fishing harbour ahead of his surprise visit, expressing displeasure over the disruption and directing the Deputy Commissioner and Police Commissioner to submit a report.

Shivakumar visited the Old Port fishing harbour in the morning amid the ongoing Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru. Speaking to reporters at the harbour, he said fishing activity had been stopped around the time of his arrival and questioned whether the decision had been taken by government officials or the police.

“I have asked the Deputy Commissioner and the Commissioner to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. If officials are found to have done this, they will be suspended today,” he said.

The Chief Minister said normal commercial activity at the harbour should not be disrupted merely because of the visit of a public official.

“Business activity must continue. I have come here to understand the problems,” he said, pointing out that traders and fishing communities from across Karnataka as well as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala depend on the harbour for their livelihoods.

Even a short delay, he said, could cause losses and inconvenience to fish vendors and traders.

Shivakumar said he had interacted with the fishing community earlier as well, including during his tenure as president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, and that a permanent solution was needed to the issues confronting fishermen.

“I have come personally to understand the problems faced by fishermen, those involved in fishing and fish trading, and the issues concerning the jetties,” he said. Representatives of fishing associations had also submitted a memorandum to him, he added.

The Chief Minister said he had received complaints about obstructions, including the blocking of roads in and around the harbour. He said the government would act against anyone found responsible, irrespective of their position or influence.

“Traffic movement at the harbour must be facilitated. There must be adequate safety arrangements, and the needs of those operating small boats must also be addressed,” he said.

Describing fisheries as a major economic force, Shivakumar said the sector needed greater support. He also pointed to the expansion of the capacity of the fisheries college as part of efforts to strengthen education and human resources in the sector.

He said reports would also be sought from other major fishing centres, including Karwar, to assess the problems faced by fishermen and traders and determine what further action was required.

The Chief Minister said the government would also examine complaints about possible undue influence or other obstacles faced by fishermen and traders at the harbour. The issue, he said, would be discussed with cooperative societies and members of the fishing community to ensure that legitimate fishing and trading activities could continue without obstruction.

Dredging concerns

Shivakumar also said the government would examine the long-pending demand for dredging at the harbour entrance.

Responding to a question on the reported absence of dredging at the estuary for around 35 years and the resulting safety concerns, he said there were differing views on how the work should be carried out.

While some had suggested dredging the area and depositing the dredged material in the sea, others had proposed using the material to reclaim and expand the area, he said.

He added that he had been informed about the existence of a technical committee of the Union government on the matter and that its recommendations would be sought before a decision was taken.

The state government would also soon decide whether to purchase its own dredging equipment or hire or lease machinery, Shivakumar said.

The visit was attended by Minister U T Khader, Congress leaders Padmaraj and Inayat Ali, former president of the Dakshina Kannada District Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Association Chetan Bengre, Mohan Bengre and other local leaders.