Karwar: Thousands of people took to streets to oppose the development of commercial port (II phase) and urged the district administration to restore the shoreline by raising environmental and livelihood concerns.
The protestors marched from Mithra Samaj in the town centre and headed towards Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office shouting slogans. They picketed the DC office and urged the district administration to drop further development in the port area.
The city will benefit in terms of trade, development and economy but the port expansion will cause extensive damage to environment, impact natural lifestyle and affect the livelihood of hundreds of fishermen, they said.
They opposed the dredging operations being carried out in the area, works to accommodate five large ships along the coast and the construction of 1140 metre long retainer wall starting right in front of the DC office to prevent flooding in the area by the overflowing of Kali River during rainy season.
MLA Satish K Sail, former minister Anand Asnotikar, Janshakthi Forum President Madhav Naik, leaders representing fishing community and thousands of people took part in the protest.
