States » SouthPosted at: Sep 19 2026 1:13PM


CM Shivakumar orders probe into halted fish trade at Mangaluru port

Mangaluru, Sept 19 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday ordered a report from the Deputy Commissioner and police commissioner after finding that trading activities at Mangaluru fishing harbour had been halted during his early-morning visit, and warned of action against officials or others responsible.
Shivakumar made a surprise visit to the harbour around 6 am and travelled by boat to inspect the facilities. He interacted with fishermen, traders and officials and sought details about the harbour's infrastructure, fishing-boat berthing facilities and dredging requirements.
“I have directed the DC and commissioner to submit a report on why harbour activities were brought to a standstill. If officials are responsible, I will suspend them. If this was done to hide irregularities, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
The Chief Minister questioned why fish trading had been stopped and directed officials to immediately allow the activity, saying any disruption would affect the livelihood of fishermen and traders.
Fishermen's representatives Chetan Bengre and Mohan Bengre told the Chief Minister that berthing facilities were currently available for around 200 boats and sought additional docks near the confluence of the Phalguni and Nethravathi rivers with the Arabian Sea.
They said dredging was required as the area had not been dredged for nearly 25 years. Officials also pointed out that sand accumulation along the harbour had to be removed and channel-marking buoys installed to facilitate the safe movement of boats.
Shivakumar directed officials to take necessary measures and said the problems faced by small fishermen in berthing their boats would be discussed with the district in-charge minister and officials.
He also warned of action against illegal structures and violations at the harbour.
“Roads have been blocked and illegal compounds have been put up here. Whoever has violated the law, irrespective of how influential or powerful they are, must face action,” he said, adding that government would examine documents if any land was claimed as private property and take appropriate steps within the legal framework.
Shivakumar said fishermen constituted a large community and that the coastal economy was an important economic centre. He said the government planned to establish a separate university for the community and increase the number of seats from around 40-50 to 200, besides focusing on education, sea metro and the blue economy.
He said the government had already announced Rs 32,000 crore worth of development works, including Rs 16,000 crore for basic infrastructure such as roads and water facilities in rural areas.
“We will obtain a comprehensive report on where trading activities are taking place in Mangaluru and Karwar and formulate a plan to provide technical support to fishing families,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he would also seek confidential reports, if necessary, to ascertain whether fishermen and traders were facing pressure or whether any “mafias” were operating in the sector.
“Trade and business must be conducted fairly and the fishermen's community must develop. That is our goal,” he said.
On the long-pending dredging at the estuary, Shivakumar said the government would examine whether dredging should be undertaken through leasing or by purchasing machinery and boats. He said the Centre's technical committee would also be consulted.
Responding to criticism by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka that he had gone to Mangaluru to eat fish, Shivakumar said, “Ashoka seems to have a desire to eat fish. Let us send fish from Mangaluru and fulfil his wish.”
He said he had stopped eating fish many years ago and accused the Opposition of being more interested in making political comments than discussing coastal development.
On the government's decision to recognise Tulu as a second additional official language in the region, Shivakumar said Tulu was a matter of pride for coastal people and that the decision reflected a long-standing demand supported by leaders across political parties.
On the Kasturirangan report, he said the government was collecting the views of people in affected areas ahead of the special session of the Legislature.
“We will decide whether to take a tough stand against the Centre's notification after hearing the views of our people. Their livelihood is important to us and we will do whatever is possible within the legal framework,” he said.
Asked how the government would finance guarantee schemes as well as new Cabinet-announced projects, Shivakumar said: “We will keep our word. That is our strength.”
UNI BDN
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