The Karnataka government tabled a Bill that provides for developing all ports in the state on public-private partnership (PPP) basis.
The Karnataka Maritime Board Act, 2011, introduced by Mr J. Krishna Palemar , state Minister for Ports and Inland Water Transport, is meant to aid the constitution and functioning of a maritime board for the state.
“ The board shall be in a position to find ways and means to undertake various developmental projects and maintenance activities in relation to ports, harbours, inland waterways and coastal protection, thus helping in the growth and development of the coastal region and its hinterland “, read the statement of objects and reasons for the Bill.
The new Bill also provides for the development and maintenance of fishing harbours by the board, with suitable budgetary grants and subventions from the state government. However, it was stated that the operations and management of the fishing harbours shall continue to be carried out by the Fisheries Department and not the maritime board.
Karnataka has a coastline of about 300 kms dotted with 10 non-major ports, apart from the Major Port at New Mangalore. The non-major ports, which include Karwar, Malpe Harbour, Tadri and Old Mangalore, are currently managed by the Public Works Department through the Director of Ports and Inland Water Transport (IWT).
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Dredging Today Staff, December 22, 2011;