Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 16: All the organizations from the region came together on Friday January 15 near Sri Balanjaneya Mandir and held a protest against the proposal to convert Padukere beach into marina.

President of Malpe Fishermen's Association, Krishna Suvarna, speaking on the occasion, urged the concerned to drop the idea of converting Padukere beach into marina. He said that the fishermen leaders will meet chief minister, B S Yediyurappa, during the latter's visit to the city on January 18, and draw his attention to the issue. He said that the fishermen will oppose anything that is not related to fishing and which creates problems for the fishing activity.

Veteran fishermen leader Rama Kanchan, said that the proposed marina will cover a large area between Shanthinagar to Mattu Koplu. He said that the fishermen are not against development of Padukere but oppose anything that has the potential of harming the region. He expressed the fear that because of such projects, people may be forced to leave the place where the families have been living since the times of their forefathers.

Country Boat Fishermen's Association president Janardan Tingalaya and Prakash Malpe of Samvedana Trust also opposed the proposal.

Devadas Kotian of Balanjaneya mandir, Sumitra Kunder and several other dignitaries were present.