Udupi: The Hejamadi port work will begin soon and the process of getting central government’s approval is in the final stages, assured area MLA Vinay Kumar Sorake.

The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government had allocated funds for the port in its first budget and accordingly the state government is submitting papers for Centre’s approval, MLA Sorake clarified.

The connecting road to the port in Kaup region is being developed, confirmed Sorake.

A total of Rs 99 Crore has been sanctioned to construct a permanent retainer wall to stop sea erosion near Padukrer-Uliyargoli. This apart, Rs 89 Crore has also been sanctioned for a similar project at Yermal and the tender process will begin for both the projects soon, Sorake said.

People travelling from Hejamadi to Padubidri had to take a longer route and a proposal for a bridge has been submitted to NABARD for approval. A blue print for the same was prepared by a Bengaluru based company and civil aid for the proposed bridge is likely to come up with cooperation from the department of ports and fisheries. Incidentally, Sorake had taken the initiative to construct the bridge using latest technology.

Poor fishermen are suffering due to Coastal Regulation Limits (CRZ) and once the prime minister accepts Shailesh Committee recommendations their plight will be resolved, Sorake asserted.