Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari has ruled out the relocation of existing fishing harbour in the city.
Visakhapatnam Port, which is on an expansion mode, has been contemplating shifting the fishing harbour to Mulakedu near Bhimili so as to utilise the space to be available in lieu of relocation for stacking and other purposes. The Navy has also been raising objections over continuation of the fishing harbour near the port particularly after Mumbai terror attacks.
In response to a representation by AP Deep Sea Fishing Technocrats Association president Capt. N. Venkateswarulu, Mr. Gadkari said he had the matter examined. “Visakhapatnam Port Trust has no proposal at present to shift the existing fishing harbour,” he stated in reply to a letter sent by local MP and State BJP president K. Haribabu.
Capt. Venkateswarulu in his representation sought a clarification on the plan of the port to shift the fishermen and expressed fears over encroachment of the fishing harbour area – now under the custody of the port.
The proposal to shift is being opposed by the Association of Indian Fishing Industry, AP Mechanised Boat Operators’ Welfare Association and Dolphin Boat Operators’ Welfare Association. Mr. Gadkari, however, pointed out that whenever such a proposal (shifting) was considered all the facilities would be created as per the requirement of fishermen and norms for fishing harbours, including facilities for drying of fish. The port would not allow anybody to encroach part of the fishing harbour area and the fears expressed in the petition were unfounded, the Minister said.
