Protesters block barge demanding halting of work

They demanded the workers to bring the work to halt. The protesters said that they were compelled to take this step because they realised that the barge did not have any documents required for taking up the work. Hence they asked the workers to take the barge back to Maharastra, from where it was brought.

It may be recalled that the residents had staged protests against a barge which was brought by the company for execution of pipeline project few months ago.

The barge however sank and the local residents say that the negligent company had not taken steps to clear the wreckage of the barge, which has been left deep sea. A case is being fought with regard to the negligence of the company in this regard. The local fishermen said that release of sewage from MSEZ will be detrimental to the environment.

“The water will be polluted and there will loss of fish stock in large quantity. We will lose our livelihood and hence will be thrown out on streets,” said the fishermen taking part in the protest. Sasihithlu Kadike Mogaveera Mahasabhe had brought these issues to the notice of the district administration by submitting a memorandum.

Responding to the plea Mangalore Tahshildar had gauged the pros and cons of the project and on November 5 he had directed the company to stop the pipeline project immediately.
However, the residents say that MSEZ had sidelined the order and is going ahead with the project. A complaint has been filed against the company with the Surathkal police.