By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar: Ankola witnessed an unusual rush of people near the Sangam area close to Harwad-Gabitawad jetty in Uttara Kannada district, as thousands turned up to collect chippikallu (Sea shells).
https://youtu.be/_2MCVAYQ7eI
As has become an annual sight, this year too men, women, and young people arrived in large numbers, transforming the area into a lively, festive space. With shell stones found in abundance, piled up across the shoreline, people were seen enthusiastically gathering them and carrying them away.
The sudden and large-scale availability of Sea shells has brought renewed hope among local fishing communities. Many families in the region depend on shell stones for their livelihood, and fishermen expressed happiness that this natural bounty would provide much-needed economic support.
Locals believe that the availability of Sea shells will give a boost to fishing-related activities and allied occupations in the coming days, helping sustain many households along the coast.
Overall, the richness of Sea shells at Harwad Sangam (Confluence) this year has brought smiles to local faces. Many residents feel that nature has once again been generous, returning its resources and reviving optimism among the coastal communities.
Videography and reporting By Saikiran Babrekar
