Karwar (DHNS): Janata Dal(S) leader Anand Asnotikar, on Wednesday, called for immediate stopping of construction of the wave barrier behind Anjaneya Swamy statue, on Rabindranath Tagore beach. 

He warned that if the demand was not met they would approach the court to stop the activities.

Briefing reporters, following discussions with fishermen, opposing the construction works on the beach, he said, fishermen would face problems  if the barrier was constructed here.

He called for a meeting to discuss the issue under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner.

Traditional fishermen spread their fishing net up to two acre on the sea shore, while the department of ports is constructing a 48 metre long barrier, which would affect traditional fishing, he said. During rainy season, sea waves can reach the shore up to 20 metres. With the construction of barrier, fishermen cannot take their boats to the shore. Hence, the issue will bring to the notice of District In-charge Minister R V Deshpande and complaint registered at the court, he added.

Meanwhile, fishermen claimed a board has been installed stating that “MLA Satish Sail has laid a foundation stone for the construction works”.

City Municipal Council Member Ravindra Banavali, said, while no barriers have been constructed on the beaches of Goa and Mumbai, such a move here will hit the livelihood of fishermen of the region.

If the barrier comes up, fishermen will not be able to fish during the rainy reason, he said.

Department of Ports Engineer Manju visited the spot. Leaders Krishna Shriram, Sumitra Kudtalkar, Sheela Tukaram, Kusuma and others were present on the occasion.