Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 24: The Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, in collaboration with like-minded organizations, will stage a protest on September 27 at the Clock Tower against illegal sand mining at Pavoor-Uliya Island.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, September 24, Allwyn D'Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, announced that a protest rally will commence from Balmatta to the Clock Tower at 3 pm, followed by a demonstration at the Clock Tower.
D'Souza highlighted the severe impact of illegal sand mining on Pavoor-Uliya Island, stating, "The island is shrinking at an alarming rate of 10 to 15 meters daily due to over 40 boats and around 100 labourers engaged in these illegal operations. Once 80 acres in size, the island has now reduced to just 40 acres."
Organizations such as the Mother Theresa Vichara Vedike, Dalit organizations, and residents of Pavoor-Uliya will join the Catholic Sabha in the protest. "We stand firmly with the residents and are even prepared for a hunger strike if the illegal sand mining continues," D'Souza added.
Notably, Daijiworld was the first to report on the illegal sand mining at Pavoor-Uliya in June.
PRO of Mangalore diocese Roy Castelino, former president Rolphy D'Costa, Stany Lobo, and Gilbert D'Souza, a resident of Pavoor-Uliya, were also present at the press conference.