Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jul 7: Demanding that the state government facilitate the construction of an all season fishing harbor at Kulai in the city, traditional fishermen staged a protest here at DC office on July 7.

Addressing the protesters Ramachandra Baikampady, convenor of Meenugarara Horata Samiti said, "Establishment of the all weather fishing harbour has been pending for nearly five decades. The centre had proposed to construct the fishing harbour at Rs 230 crore, of which Rs 70 crore will be given by the New Mangalore Port Trust. The state government has to provide environment and Coastal Regulatory Zone clearance to the centre to go ahead with the establishment. Though it is now four months since all the clearance is received, the state government has not sent the clearance report to the centre and this has delayed the work of the harbour."

“We fear that efforts are being made to scuttle the project. This will impact several fishermen. The state government should send a clearance to the centre by July 18. In 2012 when huge pipes were installed in the sea by SEZ, the traditional fishermen faced a lot of trouble. To compensate for the loss, SEZ had released Rs 1 crore compensation which has not yet been handed over to the fishermen by the deputy commissioner. The chief minister on the occasion of the oath-taking ceremony had promised to give 400 litres of diesel to outboard engine boats, but only 200 litres have been provided till date. This has resulted in difficulties in fishing through all seasons."

"We demand that all public representatives of the district raise their voice at the assembly and bring us to justice."

Members of Meenugarara Horata Samiti and Sampradayika (traditional) Meenugarara Sangha took part in the protest in large numbers.