Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has ordered an inquiry into why fishing activities were stopped during his early-morning visit to Mangaluru’s Bunder fisheries harbour, directing that officials found responsible be suspended. He also ordered action on encroachments, unauthorised compound walls and poor access roads affecting movement around the harbour.
Shivakumar arrived at the harbour around 6am on Saturday and said officials had halted fishing operations when he reached the facility. “When I arrived, officials stopped all fishing activities. I have ordered an inquiry and instructed that those responsible be suspended immediately,” he said.
The chief minister said the harbour’s commercial activity must continue because fishermen and traders from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala depend on it for their livelihoods. He said he had not sought security while hearing the grievances of fishermen and directed officials to examine how the visit had disrupted regular business.
Shivakumar asked the deputy commissioner to examine the possibility of acquiring land to improve road access to the harbour. He also ordered action against illegal roadblocks and unauthorised compound walls obstructing vehicular movement on government property.
The chief minister said the government would prepare a comprehensive report on business operations in Mangaluru and Karwar. He also announced plans to formulate a programme offering technical assistance to fishing families living along the coast. In addition, he said confidential reports would be sought to determine whether a mafia was operating in the area, while stressing that business and trade must be conducted legally and fairly.
During the visit, Shivakumar inspected the harbour’s development works and took a boat ride towards the estuary. Fishermen’s representatives Chethan Bengre and Mohan Bengre said the harbour had docking facilities for around 200 boats. They proposed additional docks at Triveni Sangama, where the Phalguni and Netravati rivers meet the Arabian Sea.
The representatives also said dredging had not been carried out in the rivers and estuary for 25 years and was essential for harbour operations. Shivakumar said Minister U T Khader had explained the difficulties involved. He said different proposals had been discussed, including releasing the silt into the sea and expanding the area, but no final decision was reported during the visit.
The inspection placed the harbour’s operational problems alongside a wider question of access and maintenance. Fishing activity depends not only on docking space but also on navigable waterways, road connectivity and unobstructed movement for boats, vehicles, traders and workers. The chief minister’s directions cover each of those areas, although the inquiry and proposed reports will determine the next administrative steps.
Shivakumar also visited the wholesale fish market at Bunder and observed the varieties being auctioned while Khader briefed him on the produce. The government’s inquiry, the deputy commissioner’s assessment of land requirements and the proposed reports on Mangaluru and Karwar harbour operations are the next stated steps.
