Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Apr 2: Both the estuary and fishing port at Gangolli have full of silt. Because of this situation, accidents have been occurring often and several lives have been lost, since the last some years. Although the fishermen and locals had been pressurizing the government and people's representatives to meet the long term demand for conducting dredging here, this demand had not been met.

At last, machinery meant to undertake dredging operations have arrived here. As the government has cleared the proposal to build a break water here, the concerned have made preparations to conduct dredging before its construction can begin, as it is mandatory. Anyway, the fishermen are happy, as after many years, their major demand is being met.

Although the fishermen are relieved about dredging, there is an apprehension in their minds about this activity disturbing their routine fishing activity. The department however, has assured that there is no need to worry. It is said that in all likelihood, dredging operations will begin by April 5.

Dredging is planned to be executed at Gangolli port, Gangolli estuary, and Kody jetty area. A company named Sea Eagle has bagged this contract. Dredging machinery and barge have already arrived to execute this contract.

It may be recalled that after protracted demands and follow-up action, dredging work was about to begin in 2009. However, two companies got involved with oneupmanship, with both claiming to have been asked to do dredging work here. Fed up with the tussle, HAB Company, which had been given nod to do the work, had withdrawn from the field. This gave rise to heated discussion in public platform and some upheavals at the government level. But nothing materialized, and in course of time the issue fazed out. As time passed, the issue of building protective wall and break water gained momentum.

Problems caused by accumulated silt continued to bother the people, accidents continued to happen, and fishermen kept up pressure for dredging activity. As a result, finally it appears that this time dredging will be conducted without fail.