Fishermen protest against proposed MSEZ/MRPL effluent pipeline

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Mar 22, 2012 : Local fishermen organized a protest on March 22 Thursday at Mukka against MSEZ and MRPL’s plans to release effluents into the sea through a pipeline.

 

 

 

 

 

The protest was held under the banner of Karavali Traditional Fishermen Union.

The protestors opposed the laying of the proposed pipeline on grounds that the effluents will kill fish and have an adverse effect on their profession.

They surrounded the barge that was anchored on March 21 Wednesday and expressed their discontentment.

Delivering the protest address on the occasion, B. K. Boloor, the president of the Karavali Traditional Fishermen’s Union said that the pipeline, if laid, will have an adverse effect on as many as 5000 fishermen.

Stating that the number of traditional fishing boats along the Baikampady – Suratkal coastline has now come down because of effluents released by MCF, MRPL, BAFF, KIOCL, and others into the sea, he said that even the district administration is unable to take action against this.

He warned that fishermen’s unions will launch an intense protest if the pipeline is laid as proposed.

Union leaders Vaman Amin and Raghunath Poojary, among many others, also participated in the protest.