The MSEZ sewage water pipeline work leading to Mukka sea, which was stopped due to the protests from the fishemen, has resumed.
After several rounds of discussion with the fishermen leaders, the fishermen have withdrawn their agitation, and allowed MSEZ to continue the work. The pipeline work, which started off on May 6, 2011 had faced stiff opposition from the fishermen from Kedike Mogaveera community as the community members felt that the pipeline will pose hindrance for them to carry on fishing activities. The barge used for implementing the project too had sunk in the sea.
However, after discussions and promises from the Company that they will give compensation by depositing the money to Kedike Mogaveera Mahasaba and Deputy Commissioner’s joint account, the fisher folk decided to withdraw the opposition.
When the work began on March 20 this year, the New Mangalore Bunder Traditional boat Fishermen’s Association, staged stir stating that 10,000 families are dependent on fishing using traditional boats and their life will be disrupted with the work.
The protesters had staged stir at the work spot with their boats. The problem was sorted after several rounds of discussions with the Deputy Commissioner and people’s representatives.
Compenstaion package
No information has been given till date about the compensation package offered to the fishermen. Earlier the fishermen had demanded 20 mechanised boats. The District Administration showed interest in giving boats to 40 fishermen. However, the actual compensation package for which the fishermen have agreed is still a mystery.
The fisher folk who used to talk openly about the compensatory meetings are now keeping the deal with MSEZ a secret.
One may recall that similar episodes had taken place even when MRPL was laying its sewage pipeline at Chithrapura-Hosabettu. The company had held talks with the fishermen leaders and the community members had agreed to withdraw the protest on various terms. This time too, the corporates have managed to convince the fishermen to implement their project in the area.
