Locals stage stir against fish processing unit, threaten to boycott polls

Udupi : Residents of Kukkehalli and surrounding areas like Kambalmajalu, Punchur, Cholebettu and Cherkadi grama Panchayat Bayerbettu staged a dharna in front of Kukkehalli Grama Panchayat office near here on Monday demanding closure of Kohinoor Fish Processing unit.

While the residents pointed out the various problems posed to them by the unit, they threatened to boycott the upcoming polls in case their problems are not solved.

Kasturi Shetty, a homemaker said that there were two wells belonging to the Kukkehalli Gram Panchayat and both the well water have been contaminated due to sewage from the unit.

“Even our health has been affected because of this unit,” she said adding that the unit has hijacked their right to fresh air and potable water.

Meanwhile Susheela Naik, a resident said that their pleas to the GP official and the higher ups have only fallen on deaf ears. “We feel greasy, fatty left over in the utensils even after they have been cleaned. If such is the case, how do we use this water for bathing and drinking, ” she questioned.

The effluents from the unit is released to Madisal rivulet, allege the locals, who say that this is the main reason behind the contamination of well waters as well. The unit has been functional over the last nine years and several protests were held even in the past against the unit. Since none, including elected representatives have shown interest in bringing some solace to them, over 80 affected families have decided to abstain from voting during this assembly polls.

During the protest meet, Srilatha Shetty, State President of All Karnataka Nelajala Parisara Sourakshana Vedike, Udaykumar Shetty State Treasurer, Ananth Naik, District Marathi Sangh President, Sanjeev Naik Cholebettu, Kukkehalli, Marathi leader, Ramachadra Bhat, Punchur Grama, Nithyanand Shetty, District leader of AKNJPSV and other among were present.