Fourth fishing jetty under consideration at Mangaluru port after 15 years

Mangaluru: It has been nearly 15 years since a new fishing jetty was built at Mangaluru Port, one of the major economic hubs handling transactions worth crores of rupees daily. The third-phase fishing jetty currently under construction is based on the number of fishing boats recorded in 2010. Since then, the number of boats has increased several times, but fishermen have not received any additional jetty facilities. Responding to long-standing demands from the fishing community, initial discussions have now begun on constructing a fourth fishing jetty.

Following demands from fishermen’s leaders, who say a fourth jetty will be essential for future needs, discussions have started within the fisheries sector. Senior officials from the Fisheries Department, who recently visited Mangaluru, also held preliminary talks on the feasibility of a new jetty.

If approved, the proposed fourth jetty is expected to be around half a kilometre to one kilometre long. In addition, several acres of yard space will be required. However, identifying suitable land remains a major challenge. Discussions are currently underway to locate space along the Netravati riverbank near the existing third jetty area.

Why a fourth jetty is needed

Although the district’s only fishing harbour handles business worth crores of rupees every day, it is facing a severe space crunch. While the harbour appears spacious on paper, the shortage of operational space has been a long-standing issue.

Fishermen are struggling to unload fish due to lack of space, and the auction area often becomes overcrowded. Around 2,000 boats, including purse seine and trawl boats, depend on the harbour. The existing jetty is 600 metres long and can accommodate about 350 boats in a single line. Currently, boats are forced to dock in up to seven rows one behind the other. Many boats have to be adjusted in other areas such as Kasba Bengre, Bolur, Kudroli and Bokkapatna. To resolve these issues, fishermen say construction of a new jetty is essential.

Path of fishing harbour development

Construction of the first phase of Mangaluru fishing harbour began in 1986 under a centrally sponsored scheme.

A 138-metre-long jetty, built at a cost of ₹147.80 lakh, was completed in 1991.

Facilities such as a 675 sq m fish auction hall, roads, water supply and electricity were provided.

At that time, 300 to 350 mechanised boats ranging from 30 to 43 feet in length were operating.

Due to an increase in the number of mechanised boats, the second phase was taken up in 2003 under a centrally sponsored scheme.

A 67-metre-long jetty was completed in 2004 at a cost of ₹144.67 lakh.

Although the third-phase jetty was initiated in 2010, it was delayed due to legal issues and other reasons.

Third jetty to be operational from February

About 20 per cent of the third-phase jetty work has been completed so far. An 80-metre jetty has been constructed, and work including the diaphragm structure is underway. To facilitate smooth vehicle movement, a 150-metre-wide concrete stretch has been laid and is currently under curing. There is a possibility that the jetty will be handed over to fishermen next month, indicating that fishing activities may begin at the third jetty soon.

Proposal to be prepared soon

While work on the third jetty is ongoing, officials have directed that a proposal for the fourth jetty be prepared. Details regarding local requirements are being compiled, and the proposal will be submitted to the government in the coming days, said Revathi, Deputy Director, Fishing Harbour, Mangaluru.