Mangaluru: A massive protest was staged by the residents of Bengre against coastal berth and capital dredging under Sagarmala project here on Monday April 5.

The protesters argued that by bringing the project to Bengre, the government is trying to evacuate people from Bengre. “Since several years, we have been demanding to provide title deeds and RTC documents. Our demands are yet to be fulfilled.”

They said that the fishing community, houses, people involved in dry fish business and fish drying tents will face huge a problem regarding their livelihood due to the construction of the coastal berth which will be 350 meters-long. “People here will not have any alternative solution for their livelihood if the project comes up at Bengre. There is a government school close to the area. The project will affect the health condition of the children.”

They further said, “If the boats had gone missing due to the strong winds, then the entire fishing community would have been in dire straits. The government needs to concentrate on providing basic facilities such as jetties for small boats. Our basic demands are not being fulfilled.”