President P B Hameed Shares the Vision of KCCI for the Betterment of DK/Mluru with Journos
- President P B Abdul Hameed Shares the Vision of Kanara Chamber of commerce & Industry (KCCI) for the Betterment of DK and Mangaluru with Journos
Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at KCCI Meeting Hall on Wednesday, 31 October, P B Abdul Hameed-the President of Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) gave the elaborate details stating: “This press meet of KCCI aims at acquainting our members of the press, with the Team of Office Bearers and the Directors of KCCI. We would also like to share with you the vision of the KCCI for the betterment of our District in particular and this region as a whole and also for the promotion of Trade, Commerce and Industry of this region”.
“Having completed 78 years of serving trade, commerce and industry, we have had many a great personalities who have visited and interacted with the Chamber in the past including Governors such as Rama Devi, Margaret Alva, Central Ministers such as Subramaniam Swamy, Shashi Tharoor, Suresh Prabhu, Chief Ministers such as HD Kumaraswamy, Veerappa Moily, and a host of State Govt Ministers, MPs, MLAs, DCs, Mayors. Also, Consulate Generals of various embassies like the US, Israel, Indonesia, Canada, etc have also visited us here at the chamber in addition to several other dignitaries”.
“We have always made representations to the concerned authorities on matters that concern trade and industry and of course the general welfare of our people and this, in turn, has helped us to contribute to the development of our District, and in a large way, shape its future. I would now like to brief you all on our plans for our district for this year.
1. Goods and Services Tax:
The New Tax Regime, the Goods and Services Tax on was introduced on the 1st of July, 2017. It is considered the most important Tax reform undertaken since Independence, with the aim of creating a unified market across the Country, its motto being One Nation, One tax. The KCCI has been very proactive in educating its members on GST even before it was introduced. Several seminars have been conducted to ensure a smooth transition to the new tax system.
In order to help our members and the general public in sailing smoothly in the coming months and in order to clarify their doubts and apprehensions, KCCI will continue to work closely with the Tax Authorities in our District and will continue to conduct Seminars and Workshops for our Members and the general public on all issues concerning GST such as rates of taxes, filing of returns etc. and will extend all help to them to solve any problems that they may encounter in due course of time.
2. Promotion of Tourism:
We belong to a land which has everything to offer to different kinds of tourists, be it Cruise Tourism, religious tourism, eco-tourism, health tourism, etc. Creating and marketing our region as a brand is the need of the hour. This would help the overall economy by providing business opportunities to Hotels, Shops, Restaurants etc. and thus providing employment and income to the people of this region. The KCCI will continue to ask for the setting up of a separate Karavali Tourism Development Authority to develop tourism and other related activities.
The Authority could develop and showcase the pristine beaches and Waterfronts of this region, where Adventure Water Sports such as Surfing, Kayaking, and also House Boats and Beach Resorts can be developed. The Unique Cuisine of the Karavali region which we are known for could also be promoted to add the much-deserved charm to this region. Moreover, Mangalore is gaining popularity as a destination for many national level events and conferences especially Doctors Conferences. In order to meet the growing demand for the same, the Authorities could facilitate the setting up of additional hotels and resorts of star categories.
A Tourist Information Centre in the heart of the city will be of great help to thousands of foreign tourists coming to Mangaluru. It could have Currency Exchange, booking counters for taxis, food courts, travel advisors, etc. KCCI has also been actively involved in promoting Dakshina Kannada as the next Health Tourism Hub of the country.
3. Women Empowerment:
Women empowerment and entrepreneurship is another priority for us. And the areas that enhance these opportunities are the IT and Tourism Industry and also the SME sector. Thus, we will focus on these areas and put in all our efforts to promote these areas aggressively.
4. IT Sector:
The KCCI’s efforts in the past have ensured we have an Incubation Centre including IT and ITES and also the ESDM Incubation Centre. However, we are all aware, that as we are an education hub, we have thousands of Engineers and Graduates passing out of our colleges every year and they are absorbed into Bangalore due to lack of opportunities here. KCCI will continue to put in efforts in getting the big IT companies to Mangalore and also ensure that our talent pool is retained here..
Airport:
The Extension of the Runway of Mangalore International Airport from 2450 mtrs to 3050 mtrs will continue to be our priority this year and we will put in all our efforts to see that the State Government sanctions the same. This will enable wide-bodied air crafts to fly into Mangaluru which is not the case now and will also give a boost to IT, Tourism and other industries of this region.
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 belonging to different Airlines is that even though the airport has Cat I – ILS, the airport does not have the approach lighting system. We have been informed that at present Mangalore 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. This will enhance the safety of aircraft operations and make Mangalore Airport safer in every respect.
KCCI has received positive responses from several International Airlines to start their flight operations to Mangalore. However, the absence of bilateral agreement / bilateral air traffic rights are preventing them from starting the same. The KCCI will continue to represent to the authorities concerned and ensure we get the much needed Bilateral Permission for Mangaluru. The Approach road to the Airport needs to be doubled as it has to cater to the increasing traffic of passengers flying in and out of Mangalore.
There is No public transport to the Airport. VOLVO KSRTC bus transport service should be provided on similar lines of Kempe Gowda International Airport Bengaluru at the airport with connectivity to Mangaluru City and surrounding areas so that common passengers are benefitted. Mangalore International Airport caters to passengers from nearby districts of Karnataka and Kerala and hence, the air passenger from Bhatkal, Kundapur, Manipal, Udupi(Karnataka) and Kasargod(Kerala) are expected to get benefit from this service. Car parking fees are too high for a non-metro City. Also, the ticket system has to be made completely electronic at both entry and exit.
6. Road Connectivity to Mangaluru:
We welcome the implementation of the 4 lane Express Highway project that connects Mangaluru & Bangalore. This would reduce the travel time to the capital city significantly and also prevent accidents on the western ghats. Developing of good Service Roads on either side of the Highways when passing through villages and city areas are a necessity so that people do not use the highways, which could also be the cause of accidents. However, the priority is to ensure the roads in the city are in good condition, in the absence of which the citizens of a growing city like ours face a lot of inconveniences.
7. Connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru:
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 Mangalore for 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 of 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 will request the concerned ministry that the Shiradi Ghat tunnel project is taken on a priority basis. The tunnel project will help improve connectivity between Mangalore and Bangalore and this will also boost the traffic of NMPT. Further, KCCI will also explore the possibility of introducing RO-RO facility between Mangaluru and Bengaluru on similar lines of Konkan Railway RO-RO service.
8. Mangalore City Development:
It is a priority to Improve the Traffic sense of our people especially the wrong use of one way and other traffic violations that result in accidents and loss of life. In this regard, we will be having an Interaction with the Police Commissioner, on the issues & concerns of Traffic and Law & Order, in the month of November, at the KCCI. The scheduled date will be communicated soon. Sky Walks and over bridges are a necessity at busy intersections in order to ease road crossing. This also helps in the better flow of traffic.
As our city is growing, traffic management will be a matter of serious concern in the coming years. Multi-level Car Parking facilities at strategic locations such as the business and Shopping areas of the City are a need of the hour. This will not only reduce traffic congestion but also give visibility to smaller shops and businesses. With the advent of the malls in Mangaluru, all our local traders are losing out on business due to parking issues at their locations. MLPs will go a long way in ensuring these businesses become accessible.
Approach roads to the Mangalore Central and Mangalore Junction railway stations to be improvised with adequate parking facilities. We need more Lung space and clean air for the City. Restoring and developing parks and our green spaces for children and senior citizens is required. Water Conservation and Management is also the need of the hour. Water harvesting, Rain Water Harvesting in apartments, complexes and houses should be made compulsory for all the new constructions coming up in the city and the existing ones should also follow the same wherever possible. Auditing and Demarcation and protection of water bodies like lakes and freshwater streams is also required to be done as a priority.
Waste Management is also another area where we need to chalk out proper plans to face this challenge in the coming years. Promoting Solar Rooftop programs are important. Set up Air Monitoring Stations to check air pollution in the city. Taking necessary steps/precautions to control air pollution to be undertaken to avoid situations like Beijing and Delhi in the future in our own city. Air pollution can be prevented in a big way by using and promoting electric vehicles.
9. Karnataka Maritime Board:
The setting up of a Karnataka Maritime Board has been a long-standing demand of the Chamber.
10. Developing the Industrial Area:
Development of Multi-Level Industrial Sheds with heavy lifts closer to the city can be thought of taking some inspiration from the operation of Chinese industries which will also help save a lot of space. Phase 2 of Baikampady Industrial Area to be developed in the JESCO Land. Making smaller plots of 2 acres and 1 acre would help in supporting the growth of SMEs in our region. There is a huge demand for industrial lands at Baikampady because of the proximity to the port and the NH 66.
There is a lot of demand for smaller plots from SMEs who are paying exorbitant rent, rendering their units unviable by putting a huge strain on their finances. We could think of a single window clearance facility to support new entrepreneurs. The KCCI is actively involved in the development of Plastic Park as proposed by the Central Government, which would house several industries belonging to the Plastic Industry.
11. LNG for industries and city gas distribution:
The KCCI has been batting for clean alternate energy like Natural Gas for our District as it is a more economical source of energy when compared to black products (fuel oil and diesel) and LPG. The work for GAIL pipeline from Kochi to Mangalore lost momentum initially due to land acquisition issues but later picked up with the support of Govt. of Kerala.
The district hosts some of the most forward-looking industrial units in Karnataka. To name a few mega industries in this region – MRPL, OMPL, MCF, BASF, KIOCL, HPCL, BPCL, JBF, TOTAL OIL, ADANI WILMAR, SRI ANAGHA REFINERY, RUCHI SOYA etc. In addition to this, there are many industrial clusters in this District including 2 prominent ones in Mangalore i.e. at Baikampady and Yeyyadi. Baikampady industrial cluster alone has more than 400 large, medium and small scale industries operating in it. Currently, Coal and liquid fuel like Diesel oil or Fuel oil are being used in all these industries.
Further, when used as a vehicle fuel, NG engines run quieter than diesel engines. Trucks fueled by NG are half as noisy as the equivalent diesel-fueled trucks. Further, one of the substantial advantages of NG is that it costs less than diesel, leading to palpable savings on a truck fleet scale. In the wake of Kochi-Mangalore NG gas pipeline work being undertaken on a war footing, the KCCI urges the authorities to introduce City Gas distribution project to Mangalore 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.
12. CRZ office to headquarter in Mangaluru:
The KCCI will continue to represent to the authorities concerned to shift the base of the CRZ headquarters to Mangalore instead of Bangalore as its presence in this coastal area is what is required in comparison to housing it in a city which has no coastline at all.
13. Smart City:
Mangaluru has made it to the Second List of Smart Cities. The KCCI will make all efforts to promote the Smart City Project and will showcase Mangalore, inviting Investors to invest in the Smart City, in order to make it a success. Infrastructure Projects will be followed up, such as the Connectivity of Roads, Railways etc., in general, and we will strive to enhance our stature as a Tier 2 City. 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.
14. Upcoming Events:
Interaction with the District In-charge Minister, on the issues & concerns of our District in the month of November.
We at KCCI, look forward to your enthusiastic support in all our endeavours and active participation and coverage of all the programs of the Chamber, throughout the coming year,” added P B Abdul Hameed. Isaac Vas- Vice President, Sashidhar Pai Maroor & Prashanth C G- both Hon Secretaries, M Ganesh Kamath- Hon Treasurer, and Srinivas Kamath- Past President of KCCI were present on the dais.