The deadlock over the inspection of vessels carrying cargo to Lakshadweep was resolved on Wednesday with the State government appointing two temporary officers to conduct inspections. Consequently, activities resumed at the Old Port from where Lakshadweep-bound cargo ships operate.
The Old Mangalore Port Users Association, which comprises cargo operators and loaders, stopped operation of cargo boats from the Old Port from October 6 following delay in inspecting cargo boats. This delay was because of absence of an inspector at the Mangalore Port Office officer.
As a result only five of the 60 cargo vessels from the port were in use. The association has been pressing for an officer for inspection for a long time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Association Member and spokesperson Harish Kava said the announcement was conveyed from the office of the Minister for Ports and Inland Baburao Chinchanasur. “They were forced to take this decision as three cargo vessels bound for Lakshadweep were berthed at the port for the last two weeks. The loss was Rs. 1 lakh per day for the government,” he said. The association members had also raised concern over the lack poor state of infrastructure at the busy Old port. The members wanted the government to replace old marker buoys and sought better lighting and water supply at the port.