by Richie Lasrado

Pics Sphoorti Ullal

Mangalore, Jul 19: Carrying coal to Newcastle could be a worthless thing to do, as the saying goes. But a group of migrant labourers from northern Karnataka are finding it worthwhile to carry coal in New Mangalore or Panambur, the seat of the New Mangalore Port Trust, as we visited the spot in early July.

It is difficult to judge if what they are doing is right or wrong. But as long as they do not create any loss to private individuals or government, nobody seems to be complaining.

Loads of coal are being transported to and from the Panambur goods shed every day. A fraction of it gets spilt over in transit by the side of the Baikampady overbridge. It gets mixed with the mud and mire all over the road running along. It is here that these labourers have found a 'goldmine' - or coalmine - of their own.

They carefully fish out the coal particles from the mud, carry it all the way to the seashore and wash it neatly.

And what do they do with the 'finished' product, we ask. They sell it off at prices ranging between Rs 8 to 15 a kilogramme.

As the amount earned is not regular, they only say what they earn is good enough for a square meal for everyone of them. Besides, all members of the family, from children to elders, keep themselves busy with this steady occupation.

And who are the buyers? The coal bought from them is found very useful by laundrymen and blacksmiths, because of the high-level heat produced by the coal cinders.

What could have otherwise gone hidden under the ground without use to anybody is only being extracted by these less fortunate people of our society to earn a living.

As long as they do not cause loss to or loot anyone, let us too not complain.

Agreed?