Bhatkal: Tensions flared in Ankola as fisherwomen vehemently opposed the geological survey for the proposed Greenfield commercial port. The protest, held in Keni village on Monday, turned intense when the women, defying prohibitory orders, entered the sea and threatened to sacrifice their lives if the project proceeded.
During the demonstration, three women suffered heat exhaustion and were rushed to a government hospital for primary medical treatment.
Despite local fishermen's persistent objections to constructing a port on their fishing grounds, the district administration enforced a ban and continued with the survey. Hundreds of fishermen gathered at the site, demanding that officials, including the Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner (DC) and legislators, address their grievances.
The protests had been ongoing for several months, but with authorities proceeding with the survey, the demonstrators escalated their actions. Many fisherwomen and young fishermen entered the sea, declaring they were ready to drown themselves if the port survey was not halted.
Officials Attempt to Calm Protesters Amid Resistance:
Later in the afternoon, senior officials, including the DC, legislators, and port department officers, arrived at the protest site to pacify the demonstrators. However, the protesters refused to back down, insisting on their demands and returning to the sea in defiance.
Fishermen leaders such as Ganapati Ulvekar, Ganapati Mangre, Shrikant Durghekar, Uday Naik, Hua Khandevar, Sanjeev Balegar, and Raju Harikantra strongly voiced their opposition to the project.
Prominent local figures, including Bhavikeri Gram Panchayat President Deepa Naik, Chandrakant Harikantra, Ganapati Dhuri, Toku Harikantra, Manjunath Takekar, Suraj Harikantra, Sarita Balegar, and Rajeshwari Kenikar, joined the protest along with hundreds of fishermen.
Prohibitory Orders Imposed in Honnavar Port Area:
In response to escalating tensions, the district administration enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, from 6 AM to 9 PM on February 25 in areas surrounding the Honnavar port project. The order, issued by DC K. Lakshmi Priya, aimed to maintain law and order.
The prohibitory order restricts public gatherings of more than five people, bans protests, and prohibits the carrying of weapons such as sticks, knives, guns, explosives, and other dangerous materials. It also forbids slogans or actions that could disrupt public order.
Legislator Ganapati Ulvekar Jumps into Sea in Protest:
Amid the protests, Ganapati Ulvekar, a Legislative Council member, dramatically jumped into the sea, symbolizing his strong opposition to the private Greenfield port project. The ₹4,119 crore project by JSW (Jindal South West) Group has faced significant backlash from local fishing communities, who claim it threatens their livelihood. Ulvekar, aligning himself with the fishermen, condemned the district administration for allowing the survey to proceed.
Official Statements:
Karwar-Ankola MLA Satish Sail responded to the protest, stating,
"The commercial port was tendered in 2023 under a public-private partnership. The contracting company is now conducting design-related surveys. Apart from road development, no land will be acquired for this project."
Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya explained the administration's stance, saying,
"A meeting was held under the Assistant Commissioner’s leadership with fishermen’s representatives to discuss the project. The prohibitory orders were imposed to prevent any untoward incidents during the survey. Precautionary measures were necessary due to the possibility of protests."
The situation remains tense, with fishermen determined to resist the port project, citing concerns over environmental damage and loss of livelihood.