Mangaluru: A sum of Rs 65 cr has been set aside to develop fishing in Mangalore Old Port, said  MLA JR Lobo.

Briefing mediapersons here on Monday, he said that out of Rs 65 crore, Union government will provide Rs 25 crore and the remaining amount will be borne by the state government.

He said that a dedicated jetty will be constructed at old port after consulting with state minister of fisheries to boost ties between Mangalore and Lakshadweep. A delegation will soon be taken to Lakshadweep. Already an MOU has been signed with government of Lakshadweep and the then Lakshadweep government had assured to provide Rs 68 crore for construction of a dedicated jetty at Mangaluru Old Port. Hence to follow up this a delegation from state would be taken to Lakshadweep.

” The Karnataka government has allocated Rs 29 crore for dredging of the estuary up to 7 m draft. Out of 29 crores, union government will be providing 14.50 and remaining amount will be given by the state government. In recent budget, state government has sanctioned Rs 47 Lakhs for the construction of shed at Bengre to help fisherwomen,” he said.