By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar, July 22: The agitation against the proposed Greenfield Commercial Port project at Keni in Ankola taluk gained further momentum on Tuesday as hundreds of protesters under the banner of the Ankola-Uttara Kannada Ulisi Sarva Samajagala Hita Rakshana Vedike undertook a padayatra from Ankola to Baleguli and later held a procession in Karwar.
The march commenced after participants paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the Freedom Fighters’ Memorial Hall in Ankola. Protesters then proceeded on foot to Baleguli before travelling to Karwar, where they marched through major streets and submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka Government through the Deputy Commissioner.
In their memorandum, the protesters reiterated their demand for the permanent withdrawal of the proposed Keni Greenfield Commercial Port project, arguing that it poses a serious threat to Uttara Kannada’s fragile coastal ecosystem, marine fisheries, agriculture, biodiversity, tourism sector, and the livelihoods of thousands of local families.
The forum stated that a peaceful and democratic movement against the project has been ongoing since November 25, 2024. During this period, activists have organized dharnas, satyagrahas, padayatras, signature campaigns, and other forms of protest to draw the government’s attention to local concerns.
The protesters noted that more than 10,000 people had participated in the environmental public hearing and strongly opposed the project. Despite widespread public resistance, they expressed disappointment that the government has not yet announced a clear decision regarding the future of the proposed port.
The memorandum also raised concerns over alleged land-related irregularities and suspected land mafia activities in and around Baleguli and nearby areas. The forum urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those found guilty.
While clarifying that they are not opposed to development, the protesters emphasized that projects causing environmental degradation and affecting local livelihoods should not be pursued. Instead, they called on the government to prioritize sustainable development models that support eco-tourism, fisheries, agriculture, local culture, and environmental conservation.The protesters urged the Karnataka Government to respect public sentiment and permanently abandon the Keni Commercial Port project in the interest of protecting the region’s ecology and the future of its coastal communities.
Reporting By:Saikiran Babrekar
