Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Nov 20: DYFI district president B K Imtiyaz said, “Fish processing units that are based on coal are functioning at Kodi-Kotepura area. The fly ash from the units is spreading over the nearby areas and causing lethal diseases. When the same is brought to the notice of environment board officer, he is giving statements in favour of the factory. We need to make such officers live in the vicinity of the factory and know the exact problem. If the industries at Ullal continue to function against the law causing destruction of environment and human life, then DYFI will take a foot march and gherao Vidhana Soudha.”
Imtiyaz was speaking at the protest rally that was organized by the DYFI Kodi-Kotepura unit in front of Kodi-Kotepura United marine fish processing unit.
Imtiyaz further said, “Some people are giving statements that legal permission is given to fish oil processing units at Kodi-Kotepura. But the officials who gave this licences are corrupt. Due to the use of coal the ash is flying all over the area. Officials should see the detrimental effects of the ash. It seems the government officials are the actual owners of the factory. People representatives are not bringing the issue to the notice of city municipality or district administration. Lung infections and cancer related issues have increased in the area. Elderly people are suffering from cough. If health department conducts check-up of Kodi-Kotepura people they will come to know the matter. Both water and land is polluted. Fishes are dying because of the ash. The officials who live on the alms given by the factory owners have not given notice to industries that release effluents to sea and rivers without treating them.
“If the fish species is affected the DYFI will not tolerate. The DYFI is like a stone. Hundreds of pipes are underneath the sea water level. Who gave permission to these? Fly ash is released in the midst of residential area.
“If the factory is not closed, protest will be intensified. We will take our next step towards the city municipality. If we do not get justice, we will protest in front of the environment pollution control board office at Baikampady. Later we will go to legislative assembly by foot march.
“The owner of this unit, who is termed as Danashoora Karna is givng cancer and Asthma in donation to the public. The DYFI will also stop trucks carrying coal in coming days.”
Leader Manoj Vamanjoor said, “Life of people is being snatched. Sea beaches are suitable for tourism. Due to issue of people representatives, companies that pollute sea beaches are constructed here.”
Razak Montepadavu, Ashraf Harekala, Razak Mudipu, Jayant Naik, Ibrahim Madaka, Janardhana Amin, Basheer Lacchil, Ashraf Alekala, Ibrahim Kotepura, Naufal Kotepura and Riyaz were present.