Mangaluru: Former MLA JR Lobo has blamed the Centre for the non-completion of the third stage fisheries jetty works at old port in the city. Lobo said that the foundation for the project was laid in 2010 and it was supposed to be completed in 2015.
He said the project was estimated to cost Rs 57.60 crores with the Centre agreeing to fund Rs 43.20 crores and the State Rs 14.40 crores."Though the project was approved in 2010, its implementation was delayed as a few locals had moved the Green Tribunal. After the case was settled in 2017 a revised budget estimate of Rs 98.26 crore was prepared and sent for approval. Already a sum of Rs 51.39 crore has been utilised of which the state has borne Rs 38.89 crores which is more than its share. The Centre has released just Rs 13 crores. The previous Fisheries Minister Pramod Madhwaraj had visited Delhi eight times to get funds released but of no avail," he pointed out.
Lobo further said the jetty when completed gives opportunity for anchoring 1,800 boats.
