In a letter to the Chief Minister, Task Force Chairman Ananth Hegde Ashisar has stated that Navy, without the State’s permission, has been conducting bomb trials without giving prior information to the local residents.

“The island has been declared as a biodiversity hot spot by the Karnataka Biodiversity Board. It has also been declared as a Natural Heritage Site by the Board. The Government must write to Union Defence Minister not to allow Navy to carry on any of its activities in the island,” Hegde said in the letter.

“Uttar Kannada district has 148 km of coast from Karwar to Bhatkal. Already 23 km is already under the control of Navy. If Netrani too goes into the hands of Navy, then it would amount to giving the entire Karwar to Navy. The island, which has rich deposits of coral, is a fishermen’s paradise. It also a sacred place for fishermen. Scientists have been undertaking several research projects in the island,” Hegde said.