KCCI submits Memorandum to MLA Vedavyas Kamath on Issues for DK’s Development
Mangaluru: As media persons we are used to waiting for politicians who show up late or don’t show up at all for the programmes- and here is yet another instance where only ONE politician showed up among the TWELVE others whose names were printed on the agenda, for a Felicitation and Interaction Session organized by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Friday, 3 August 2018. How nice?
Let’s do the Roll Call- Calling Minister U T Khader. Absent!; Dr Y Bharath Shetty-Mangaluru MLA Morth. Absent!; Harish Poonja- MLA Belthangady. Absent!; U Rajesh Naik-MLA Bantwal. Absent!; Umanath Kotian-MLA Moodabidri. Absent!; Sanjeev Matandoor-MLA Puttur. Absent!; Angara S -MLA Sullia. Absent!; B M Sukumar Shetty-MLA Byndoor. Absent!; Haladi Srinivas Shetty-MLA Kundapura. Absent! V Sunil Kumar MLA Karkala. Absent!; K Raghupathi Bhat Mla Udupi. Absent!; Lalaji R Mendon MLA Kapu. Absent!; D Vedavyas Kamath-MLA Mangaluru South. PRESENT! Finally, our prayers were heard by God, that at least one person on the list made it for the programme, thereby making our presence at the programme fruitful.
Ms Vathika Pai-President of KCCI welcomed the gathering, while Abdul Hameed-Vice President introduced MLA Vedavyas Kamath to the audience-following which Ms Vathika Pai read the issues mentioned in the memorandum to be submitted to the MLA to the august gathering. Following are the issues/contents in the memorandum:
1. Setting up Greenfield container Terminal at NMPT:
For the past eighteen years, after the container service was re-introduced, the container trade at NMPT has seen regular growth. With the addition of new industries in and around Mangaluru, the volume is expected to grow steadily over the next few years. As the current facility is cumbersome to handle the likely surge in the traffic during coming days, developing a new green field container terminal is the only option to meet the demand and this has been the long pending demand of the trade.
In view of the above, a new Green Field state of the art container terminal with all modern handling equipment may be developed in the interest of trade and industry of this region.
2. Installation of category I ILS Approach lights at Mangaluru Airport:
In the recent past, Air crafts are diverted from Mangaluru to different airports in the country due to poor visibility. One of the reasons quoted by many of the Pilots of different Airlines is that even though the airport has Category I – ILS, the airport does not have the approach lighting system. We have been informed that at present Mangaluru Airport runway has been fitted with simple approach lighting system instead of Precision Approach lighting system (PALS). We learn that this will bring down the visibility criteria from 1000 m to a runway visual range requirement of 550 m. We understand if PALS is installed, it will ensure the safety of the aircraft operations.
We understand that the District Administration has already provided the land for the provision of precision approach lighting system up to a distance of 900 m x 60 m on both the sides of the runway. Many pilots are already in contact with local authorities to provide the PALS in the interest of aircraft/passenger safety. Since Airport Authority of India has already provided SALS to a distance of 420 m, it requires only another 500 m extension of lighting system, where 2 or 3 more cross bars are required to be provided. This will enhance the safety of aircraft operations and make Mangaluru Airport safe in every respect.
3. LNG as alternative fuel for our District:
Currently, only 15 states and UTs in India have City Gas Distribution (CGD) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities. The government has set a target to provide PNG connections to 10 million households by 2019. As per the data available, the government has managed to meet 36 percent of this target up to May 2017. The city of Mangaluru in this district is undergoing a rapid economic change. It is the fastest growing non-metro city in India. The city has all types of services and amenities available for its citizens and for this very reason the city has been chosen to be developed as Smart City by the Central Government. The city is still largely dependent on LPG and use this as primary cooking fuel.
In the wake of Kochi-Mangaluru Natural Gas(NG) gas pipeline work being undertaken on the war footing, the KCCI requests you to impress upon the concerned department to introduce City Gas distribution project to Mangaluru which can guarantee economical, environment-friendly, safe and convenient energy to its residents by supplying PNG to households. As the laying of pipeline takes quite a long time, the necessary bidding process may be initiated immediately to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place when the city receives the first supply of NG.
4. Connectivity between Mangaluru and Bangalore:
NMPT handles cargoes originated from the hinterland of this state. Following relentless efforts, many of the shippers have reposed faith in services available at NMPT and cargoes from in and around Bangalore are being transported to NMPT by road NH 48 (75) via Hassan to Mangalurufor onward shipment.
Although Shiradi Ghat is open for traffic now, frequent closures of connectivity roads cause panic amongst the trade. Due to lack of proper connectivity, the trucks carrying containers laden with export cargoes are unable to reach the port on time leading to delays. Many such containers have missed the scheduled sailing of feeder vessels thereby causing a huge financial burden to the trade. In order to facilitate uninterrupted cargo movement to the NMPT and to save precious man hours, the KCCI requests you to kindly take up the Shiradi Ghat tunnel project on the priority basis. The tunnel project will help improve connectivity between Mangaluru and Bangalore and this will also boost the traffic of NMPT.
5. Developing the City of Mangaluru:
The Hon’ble Chief Minister announced that Mangaluru will be developed as the second economic capital of the state of Karnataka. We understand that this will attract huge investments which is beneficial to Mangaluru in every way. With this, however, we request you to press on the state government to set up an effective mass transport system for the city and also low-cost affordable housing to cater to the weaker sections of our society. Development of Greater Mangaluru with all necessary amenities also needs to be considered to reduce the burden on Mangaluru City.
6. Railways:
Upgradation of Mangalore Railway Stations to International level has been a long pending request of the railway users of Dakshina Kannada and this will give a boost to the economy of this region.
The Mangalore Junction Railway Station at Kankanady lacks basic infrastructure. The LED Boards displaying the coach numbers are not working. The Information Centre is not well manned round the clock. Eateries are also not functioning properly. Roofing and proper seating arrangements are missing at Platform No. 2 and 3. A single over bridge which is also quite old now causes inconvenience to senior citizens. Having Escalators would definitely solve the issue. We request you to kindly look into these basic infrastructural issues at the Mangalore Junction Railway Station for appropriate action.
Doubling of our railway tracks especially from Mangalore Central to Nethravathi Bridge so as to avoid delays / cut down travel time to Mangaluru would go a long way in reducing inconvenience to our citizens.
Railway Underpass at Jeppu at Mahakalipadpu: We notice that the number of the vehicles passing through Jeppu Mahakalipadpu Railway crossing is very high. Due to the frequent passing of trains, Traffic jams are a frequent sight. The Railway department has already approved the said underpass. Therefore, we request that you use your good office to ensure the release of the estimated amount of Rs.10 Cr immediately to start the said work.
7. Setting up of State Maritime Board for Karnataka:
KCCI has been regularly emphasizing on the importance of setting up a maritime board for the state of Karnataka for years. A maritime board is an essential pre-requisite to promote coastal shipping and use of inland waterways in the State and to draw investment from the private sector.
However, despite having 10 minor ports under this department, none of these ports has seen any major development compared to the coastal states of Gujarat or Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka, minor ports of Karwar, Old Mangalore Port are lacking basic infrastructure, shortage of competent officers and poor network connectivity which adversely affects trade, industry and development.
In the year 2009-10 Budget, the Karnataka Government had announced that a Maritime Board would be set up and for this purpose, Rs 100 crores were set aside. However, till date the Board has not been formed nor is there any progress in the matter. It is our sincere prayer that the Karnataka Government should expedite the setting up of a state maritime board, on the lines of the Gujarat board to tap the potential of our own minor ports and to ensure overall development of these port cities situated all along our coastline.
7. Formation of BITA Baikampady Industrial Township Authority:
The application has been submitted to the Dept. of Industries to Notify Baikampady as an Industrial Township Authority. This application is at your Urban Development Ministry. We request you to kindly speed up and process the application at the earliest.
8. Plastic Park:
Though Mangaluru has been selected by central Government as one of the eight locations in the country to set up a Plastic Park, the project has not been executed yet, thus lagging behind, with seven other plastic parks in the country being already operational. This is primarily due to the delay from the state government in identifying the land for the purpose and sending the proposal to the Union Government. However, KCCI along with KSIA and Kanara Plastic Manufacturers Association identified II phase of EPIP Ganjimutt as an ideal location to set up the plastic park. Hence, it is required to speed up the proposal to the union government at the earliest and get the project sanctioned for Mangaluru.
9. Truck Terminal:
Establishing a truck terminal near Baikampady is the need of the hour as thousands of trucks pass the national highway and also come into the Baikampady industrial area every day, due to the close proximity to NMPT, causing huge inconvenience to the industries and employees working in Baikampady. We request you to take steps to establish a truck terminal in Baikampady.
10. Developing the Industries of our region:
As mentioned earlier, currently there is no growth in the MSME sector of our region, the most important reason being non-availability of land, thus failing to create jobs for our youth leading to their relocation to cities like Bangalore. The Phase 2 of Baikampady Industrial Area may be developed in the JESCO Land. As you re aware, 548 acres of Industrial land allotted to JESCO is under resumption by the GOK for non-use for the allotted purpose. 383 acres of land is available to be allotted to industries as originally acquired since the rest is already allotted to Coast Guard. Single window clearance facility to support new entrepreneurs could also be thought of.
11. Promote BRAND MANGALORE:
Dakshina Kannada does not enjoy the rightful place of importance in the Map of Economic Activities in Karnataka. It has received step-motherly treatment regarding promotion of Manufacturing activities and employment generation. It is necessary to ensure that the economic activities in this area are given a boost. Also, the number of industries coming into Mangaluru seems to be dwindling over the years. We urge you to promote BRAND MANGALORE and help in creating a suitable environment for more industries to set up the base and thrive and subsequently create wide employment opportunities for our youth.
12. Promote Tourism:
There has been so much talk about the tourism potential of Mangaluru for many years now. We have been blessed to support every form of tourism, be it eco-tourism, beach tourism, cruise tourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism, health tourism and so on. However, our efforts to promote tourism have not been sufficient. A clear roadmap for the future of sustainable Tourism is very important.
13. Smart City:
Mangaluru has been chosen for the Smart City Project, but it seems to have lost momentum in the last few months. It is necessary to expedite the same so that our citizens are able to reap the benefits of the project. Also under the Smart City project, ensuring minimal road width, providing suitable cable trenches, scientifically designed stormwater management plans, upgrading the sewage system, drawing up groundwater recharge policies are most important. In other words, thrust should be to create an efficient transportation and service corridor into which the future developments (both public and private) can plug into rather than being forced to be islands with their own supportive ecosystem. Also, it is very necessary to develop an effective public transport system against reliance on personal transport.
14. Bad Road Condition due to rains:
Dakshina Kannada has received heavy rainfall this season thus, ruining the roads and causing inconvenience to all. The repairs of the roads have to be undertaken wherever possible at the earliest.
15. National Highways: Nantoor and Pumpwell junction need urgent attention as there is hardly a day which goes by without some minor accident taking place at these junctions. A fair thought should be given to constructing an overhead flyover on the NH -66 at Nanthoor Junction and expedite the work going on at the Pumpwell Junction. These are both need of the hour and have been long pending. Also, the condition of our highways needs to be seriously looked into for improvements.
16. Storm Water Drains:
With the kind of rainfall that Mangalore City receives, planning needs to be done in order to avoid the Stormwater gushing into the low lying area in the City limits. This can avoid a disastrous situation like the one on the 27th of May, 2018. Hence, early action needs to be taken in this regard.
17. Basic Infrastructure at Yeyyady:
Yeyyady Industrial Area does not have basic infrastructures such as Road Lighting, Waste Management and Water Supply from the Corporation, Drainage Facility and Conditioned Roads. We request you to kindly expedite the process for the benefit for the industries thriving at Yeyyady.
18. Facelift for Public Amenities and Construction of Central Fruits and Vegetables Market: All our markets lack proper infrastructure. Basic comfort level has to be given to all citizens who use the markets. Standard amenities to be provided at all markets so that time, money and energy is saved at every level. The Central market is said to be reconstructed under the PPP Model with latest amenities, under SMART CITY scheme. Till then, the occupants of the said market may be shifted to another place with an assurance of re-shifting them in the new building. We request that suitable steps be taken in this matter.
After the memorandum was submitted to MLA Vedavyas Kamath, in reply addressing the gathering MLA said, ” Being an entrepreneur myself in cashew industry, I know how hard it is to manage the business. I am happy that KCCI is showing a keen interest in the development of DK and Mangaluru, for which I am grateful. Mangaluru being selected as one of the Smart City, we need to work together for its growth and infrastructure.I have gone through all the issues mentioned in the memorandum, and I will discuss with other representatives and see that they are materialized. But at the same time, we need support and encouragement from the citizens”.
“Yes, as mentioned in the memorandum, we need to promote ‘Brand Mangaluru’, and create a suitable environment for more industries to start in Mangaluru and also create wide employment opportunities to our youth. We also need to retain our existing big firms in Mangaluru, who are planning to move out, like Infosys, Corporation Bank and others. We also need to encourage Medical Tourism, which is a big money-making project, where many citizens from African countries want to get medical treatment in India, especially Mangaluru. I want to concentrate on PM Modi’s three projects- ‘Kaushalya Yojana’, ‘Make in India’, and ‘Digital India’. Finally, me being a new MLA I seek your support in making our city grow and reach greater heights” added MLA Kamath.
Few queries were posted at the MLA during the interaction session, and MLA assured that he will look into all those issues and rectify or implement them. KCCI felicitated MLA Kamath on the occasion. Prashant C G, the honorary secretary of KCCI proposed the vote of thanks. Issac Vas, the treasurer of KCCI was also seated on the dais.
