Lakshadweep ferry.
Credit: PTI
Mangaluru: A majority of participants at the environmental public hearing regarding the dedicated jetty here for Lakshadweep objected to the proposal to shift the Kasaba Bengre passenger ferry point for the project.
They, however, urged authorities to expedite the work on the Lakshadweep jetty to help establish a sea trade route with the union territory. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V.
Trawl Boat Association president Chethan Bengre said, once completed, the project would boost the region’s economy. Kasaba Bengre Jamaat president Bilal Moideen said the area, with a population of 30,000, depended heavily on passenger ferry service to reach Mangaluru.
Around 7,000 people use the service daily for education, work and access to healthcare. Therefore, he said, ferry point should not be shifted 300 metres from current location. Such a move would delay access to Bunder and Mangaluru, more so in emergencies.
If ferry point is shifted, people will be forced to travel an additional km and new location lacks basic facilities, Toyyub, a resident, said. Increased operational costs would likely raise ferry fares, burdening the poor, he said.