Citizens annoyed with pipeline laying work on River Nethravathi

Citizens annoyed with pipeline laying work on River Nethravathi

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, November 18, 2011 : The people of Kadekaaru Jeppinamogaru have protested against a 2-km long pipeline, which has been floating on the waters of River Nethravathi, just below the bridge for the past four months.

J. Nagendra Kumar, the corporator of Jeppinamogaru, told reporters at a press conference held on Thursday, that the pipe is making it difficult for fishermen to conduct their fishing activities because it blocks their way. Surprisingly, nothing is known about the pipe and even the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) has failed to give a satisfactory response.

Although the district-in-charge minister, the MCC, and the district administration have issued directives that work on the pipeline should stop immediately, work is going on day and night, he said.

Certain sources say that the work is being done by an Ahmedabad company contracted by MSEZ. Fishermen are afraid that hazardous wastes released into the sea will cause damage to sea life.

The people have warned of organizing an intense protest if the district administration does nothing about it.

According to Kumar, sand miners have leased an artificial sand bed they had created to the company for Rs. 50,000.