Malpe, (Udupi district), Apr 19 (UNI) The delay on the part of the state government and the state port department in issuing permission letter, the dredging machine, two tugs and one barge which have arrived at this Asia's biggest fisheries port 45 days back was were remained idle without carrying out any dredging activities.

The tender for carrying out dredging work at the Malpe fisheries port had been awarded to a Mumbai based Cuba and Underwater Company after releasing Rs 2.12 crore in 2006-07 state budget.

Three month time had also been given to the company to completing dredging work which should be completed before the onset of monsoon.

With the immense of hope of commencement of the dredging activity, along awaited demand of the fishermen community here, the fishermen have brought their fishing boats to the shore. The local fishermen who have become aggressive were now blaming the department officials for their negligence which had delayed in getting the permission letter from the government for carrying out the most needed dredging work.

Following the delay in the commencement of the dredging work which had not been taken up since last ten years, the fishermen community was deeply concerned about untoward incidents on sea during the coming monsoon period.

The community leaders were also complaining that the huge accumulated silt at the sea mouth was the main cause for the increasing accident incidents of boat capsize during the monsoon period.

The fishermen were also urging during over last ten years to take up dredging work on war foot to save the precious life of fishermen who were mainly dependent on fisheries activities.

The fishermen also blamed that about 40 and odd workers who have come along with the dredging machineries remained without any work since last 45 days.

Hardly another 45 days left to complete the work and if rain starts early, the dredging could not be continued, they added.

UNI MA SIV HVB1846