Fishermen protest against MSEZ pipeline in mid-sea

Mangalore, November 15: Objecting to the sewage pipeline project of MSEZ, at Mukka, the local residents staged a unique protest by blocking the barge brought for the execution of the project, mid sea, on Monday.

They demanded the workers to bring the work to halt. The protesters said that they were compelled to take this step because they realised that the barge did not have any documents required for taking up the work. Hence they asked the workers to take the barge back to Maharastra, from where it was brought.

It may be recalled that the residents had staged protests against a barge which was brought by the company for execution of pipeline project few months ago.

The barge however sank and the local residents say that the negligent company had not taken steps to clear the wreckage of the barge, which has been left deep sea. A case is being fought with regard to the negligence of the company in this regard. The local fishermen said that release of sewage from MSEZ will be detrimental to the environment.

“The water will be polluted and there will loss of fish stock in large quantity. We will lose our livelihood and hence will be thrown out on streets,” said the fishermen taking part in the protest. Sasihithlu Kadike Mogaveera Mahasabhe had brought these issues to the notice of the district administration by submitting a memorandum.

Responding to the plea Mangalore Tahshildar had gauged the pros and cons of the project and on November 5 he had directed the company to stop the pipeline project immediately.

However, the residents say that MSEZ had sidelined the order and is going ahead with the project. A complaint has been filed against the company with the Surathkal police.

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From malls to highways, Kannada signboards to be enforced in Dakshina Kannada

News Network

February 4,2026

Mangaluru: Urban local bodies and gram panchayats should make the use of Kannada on signboards mandatory while issuing trade licences to commercial establishments, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV said. He also called for regular inspections to ensure compliance.

Presiding over the District Kannada Awareness Committee meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office, Darshan said the city corporation would be directed to ensure that shops operating in malls prominently display their names in Kannada. “All commercial establishments, including shops, companies, offices and hotels, must mandatorily display their names in Kannada on signboards,” he said.

The deputy commissioner added that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would be instructed to include Kannada on signboards along national highways. Banks, he said, would be directed through committee meetings to provide application forms in Kannada.

“Even if English-medium schools and colleges impart education in English, their signboards must display the institution’s name in Kannada. Steps will also be taken to ensure that private buses display place names in Kannada,” Darshan said.

During the meeting, committee members raised concerns over the closure of Kannada-medium schools in rural areas due to a shortage of teachers and stressed the need for immediate corrective measures. They also pointed out that several industries employ workers from other states while overlooking local candidates.

Members further demanded that nationalised banks provide deposit and withdrawal slips in Kannada. It was brought to the deputy commissioner’s notice that the presence of staff without knowledge of Kannada in rural branches of nationalised banks is causing hardship to local customers.

Meanwhile, MP Srinath, president of the District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, urged the district administration to allot land for the construction of a district Kannada Bhavana in Mangaluru.

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