Udupi : State Minister for Urban Development and Udupi District in-charge Minister Vinaykumar Sorake paid a visit to the Hejamady Port  on July 27, Saturday.

Speaking to reporters later, the minister said  the state government which was keen on development of ports has earmarked Rs 100 crores for the development of the Hejamady Port.

He said a sum of Rs 50 crores has been sanctioned for the project initially. He said the breakwater project would be taken up in the beginning.

He promised on the occasion that the government  was committed to the development of the Hejamady Port and fulfill a longstanding demand of the people of Hejamady. He said the project will be executed by the CITF.

Stating that the government has extended various amenities to fishermen, the minister said the government has increased the fund allocation for laying of fisheries roads from Rs 6 crores to Rs 30 crores. The housing loan amount given to fishermen has also been enhanced from the present Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,20,000, Sorake  informed.

He further stated that the government  in order to find a permanent solution to the problem of sea erosion has allotted Rs 275 crores for sea walls at Hejamady, Uliyaragoli, Udyavar and Tenka Yermal.

The Minister also visited the UPCL plant and discussed various issues. Regarding the problem of sea erosion at Tenka Yermal and the complaint of locals that it was due to the breakwater constructed by the UPCL, the minister directed the officials to submit a report. He said the UPCL will be asked to remove the breakwater if the allegations were found to be true.