No more fish baskets on public transport

TNN
Bellevision Media Network

MANGALORE, 13 August 2010: A move by Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) to start exclusive buses for fisherwomen of Mangalore and Malpe has got the nod from its board. These buses will shortly operate from Mangalore old port and Malpe harbour and help fisherwomen come to the respective ports, collect the fish and go back and sell at their designated fish stalls. They hitherto used public transport for this purpose.

 

Ramachandar Baikampady, chairman of KFDC, told reporters here on Thursday that two buses will be stationed at each of these ports to ferry the fisherwomen from their houses to their respective work places and back. The corporation has funds allocated to it under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikasa Yojana and this will be utilized for purchasing the buses, he said, adding that formalities with the transport department will be completed soon.

 

 

Ultra-modern fish market

 

The response from fisherwomen operating from the main fish market adjacent to main bus terminus at SBI main branch to relocate to the proposed ultra-modern fish market, to be constructed at the site of the existing central market, has been overwhelming. More than 800 fisherwomen, including 100 who sell dry fish alone, have evinced interest to shift.

 

The market will be constructed utilising grants given by National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad and Mangalore City Corporation, he said adding share of NFDB grants in this project would be 90 per cent. Consultants and architects of the project have studied designs of four leading fish markets across the world and incorporated the same in their project design, he said adding this would be reflected in the market when completed.

 

On KFDC retail fish marketing foray, Baikampady said fully air conditioned fish marketing stalls are ready at Tumkur, Thirthahalli and Shimoga and in finishing stages at Bantwal, Puttur, and Sullia. KFDC has drawn up plans to start 50 such stalls across the state including around 10 in Bangalore, he said, adding that fully renovated KFDC run canteen at Cubbon Park is doing good business and would be formally inaugurated soon.

 

Likewise, KFDC has acceded to a request from the local purseine boat owners association to set up a 25-tonne weighbridge at old port in the city, Baikampady said.