Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Sep 15: The local fishermen at Byndoor protested the action of the officials constructing a bridge in between Koderi and Uppunda grama across Edamavu lake. The protesters blocked the work in progress decrying the officials who have started the bridge work instead of constructing the bridge at Koderi. The bridge is being constructed to enable connection to the mini port that is being built at Koderi.

The fishermen alleged that the selfish interest of officials is the cause for change of location of the bridge. They demanded that the officials come to the spot and offer explanation.

Narendra, leader of fishermen demanded that the bridge should be constructed in Koderi itself as the land of Koderi port is in Kirimanjeshwara grama. A bridge in Koderi will be convenient for nearly twenty thousand fishermen in Koderi, Nagooru, Adragoli, Gangabailu and Navunda. Besides the minister of ports, Srinivas Poojary and MLA Laxminarayana Koderi, who had visited the place last year had identified the place in Koderi and directed the officials to construct the bridge on the markings made by them.

However, the present port officials have started the work changing the place of bridge without informing anybody. The change will inconvenience the fishermen who will have to travel an additional 12 kms to reach the port.

Besides, the place is not suitable for bridge. The bridge here will not last for long as it is closer to the sea and the ferocious waves beat the shore during monsoons. It will also pose a threat to fisheries lorries. Fishermen insisted that the officials come and give justifiable explanation for change of place for the bridge. If not, they will not allow continuing the work, they said.