Fishermen furious about MSEZ’s proposed effluent discharge pipe

Fishermen furious about MSEZ’s proposed effluent discharge pipe

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, March 27, 2012:  The Costal Traditional Fishermen’s Union (CTFU) submitted an appeal to DC Channappa Gowda, in which they have protested against the Mangalore Special Economic Zone’s (MSEZ) proposal to lay an effluent discharge pipeline near Mukka.

 

A group of 100 furious traditional fishermen attacked a dredger and a tug, demanded that it should be removed from the area and that it should not be brought into the area till the issue was resolved. The MSEZ had lodged a complaint with the DC, following which the DC invited the CTFU for a discussion.

The traditional fishermen are against the laying of the effluent discharge pipe because the harmful effluents will kill the fish as a result of which 5000 of them will be affected. The DC tried to pacify them by promising jobs and educational opportunities, which the fishermen politely declined on grounds that they were too old for jobs and education. The DC then said that the district administration will provide them mechanized boats if they invest part of the funds.

The union members said that they would let the DC know if his offer can be accepted after discussing it with the other traditional fishermen.