Bhatkal: The 'Sarabi River Horata Samiti' orchestrated a protest rally on Saturday. Led by samiti convenor Mustafa Askiri, the protesters embarked on their march from Bhatkal Barni Ground, advocating for the transfer of the pumping station, dredging the riverbed, eliminating silt and debris, and rejuvenating the surrounding greenery.
Progressing through Chowk Bazar, Mohammad Ali Road, and the main road towards the Old Bus Stand, the demonstrators reached the municipal building. Here, they vociferously voiced their concerns and submitted a memorandum to the Municipal chief officer.
Subsequently, the rally advanced towards Shamsuddin Circle, traversing the National Highway before culminating at Mini Vidhan Saudha. At this juncture, a memorandum was presented to the assistant of the Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner (AC) due to the AC's absence.
Dr. Mohammad Hanif Shabab, a member of the Horata Samiti, vehemently condemned the deplorable condition of the river, attributing its revival to the district and taluk administrations. He emphasized the historical significance of the Sarabi river to Bhatkal, once serving as the city's lifeline and a picturesque entry point from the sea, now deteriorated into a cesspool. Dr. Shabab issued a stern warning to the authorities, threatening a large-scale protest and sustained agitation if immediate action to cleanse the river wasn't taken within a month.
Inayatullah Shahbandi, President of the social organization Majlis e Islah wa Tanzeem, echoed the urgency for the Taluk administration to prioritize river cleaning and deepening. He cautioned that failure to address the issue within 30 days would lead to escalated protests across the town.
Furthermore, another Samiti member, Mr. Imshad Mukhtasar, read out the memorandum highlighting the detrimental effects of the sewage pumping station's discharge into the Sarabi river. He underscored the health hazards posed by contaminated wells and the recent surge in Dengue cases, with fatalities reported. The memorandum underscored the imperative for river restoration, including bank protection measures, and held the pumping station accountable for the river's restoration, while reiterating the demand for its relocation.
Qaiser Mohtisham, a Samiti member, issued a stern warning to the taluk administration, emphasizing that failure to meet their demands within the stipulated time frame would prompt the Horata Samiti to escalate their protests with a 'Vidhan Saudha Chalo' movement.
It's worth noting that the Sarabi River Horata Samiti comprises two members each from Cosmos Sports Center, Moon Star Sports Center, Sunshine Sports Center, Lion Sports Center, Royal Sports Center, Shaheen Makhdoom Sports Center, Al-Hilal Sports Center, Sultani Welfare Association, and Shandar Sports Center, all located around the Sarabi river. Additionally, other sports centers in the town, including Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and Majlise Islah wa Tanzeem, are also lending their support to the cause.
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