Establishment of new fishing harbours and development of link roads to fisheries centres are proposed in the Karnataka Budget for 2013-14.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who presented the Budget for 2013-14 on Friday, has provided Rs 229 crore for fisheries sector.

He has proposed to construct two new fishing harbours at Kulai in Mangalore and Hejmadikodi in Udupi, and also proposed studies for constructing two new fishing harbours at Gabithwadi Kheni in Ankola taluk and Majali of Karwar taluk in Uttara Kannada district.

He said that extension of jetties at Bhatkal and Karwar fishing harbours in Uttara Kannada district, and dredging schemes in Malpe, Belekeri and Kodikanyan would be taken up under the schemes sponsored by the Central Government.

Roads connecting fisheries centres will be developed at a cost of Rs 30 crore. Fishermen will get 1.5 lakh kilo litres of tax-free diesel for mechanised fishing boats during the year.

vinayak.aj@thehindu.co.in